Ivica

Zubac

Rookie Braden Smith is getting his second career start after playing well last game. The rest of the Pacers lineup is what you would expect without Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac is back in the lineup for Jay Huff.

Zubac is available after missing five games with a sprained ankle. His return will push Jay Huff to the bench, eliminating most of Huff’s already-limited fantasy value.

After spraining his ankle during an October 25 win over the Nets, Zubac has missed the Pacers’ last five games. If he can play on Wednesday, the Pacers will likely drop Jay Huff to the bench, even if they limit Zubac’s minutes.

Speaking with media on Monday, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Zubac is doing better and walked into the arena without a boot, but will not rush the big man back. This is the same injury that held the 7-foot center out for some time last season. Jay Huff will continue to start in his absence.

No surprise here as Zubac played only seven minutes after injuring his ankle in Sunday’s win over the Nets and was seen leaving the arena on crutches. The good news is the x-rays were negative and Zubac appears to have avoided a long-term injury. Jay Huff should get the start in Zubac’s absence and is worth streaming.

The x-ray came back negative on his left ankle, but did leave the arena on crutches due to a swollen ankle. Although the center will most likely be sidelined on Monday vs. the Bucks, Zubac has seemed to avoid any long term injury for now. It’s something for fantasy managers to watch over the next few days.

The Pacers lost starting center Ivica Zubac to a sprained left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday’s game, giving more minutes to Huff and Obi Toppin (16/6/2 with four three-pointers). While the latter was more productive offensively, Huff blocked three shots and didn’t have a bad offensive game himself. The Pacers play the Bucks on Monday, which could mean Huff gets a spot start. He and Toppin are worth streaming as long as Zubac is out.

Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and has since been ruled out. Jay Huff entered the lineup at the start of the third quarter, but Zubac’s absence also means more minutes for Obi Toppin.

Zubac sprained his left ankle with about five minutes remaining in the first quarter and has not returned to the Pacers’ bench since. If he can’t return, Obi Toppin and Jay Huff will get the available minutes. The Pacers also play on Monday, so fantasy managers could be without Zubac for the start of Week 2.

Tyrese Haliburton’s performance was incredible, but Zubac’s numbers shouldn’t be overlooked. If this game was an indicator, he should be in for a monster season with Haliburton feeding him the ball. This stat line came in just 18 minutes, making it even more impressive. His sixth-round ADP could end up being a bargain, and he will be vital to the Pacers’ chances of making more noise in the playoffs.