5-for-2 trade! Zubac season-ending injury! Finals team suffers sharp decline

According to a report by Dustin Dopirak, a journalist for the Indianapolis Star:Zubac has ended his season prematurely due to a rib fracture.

Zubac sustained the injury during a recent game where the Pacers lost 119-127 to the Trail Blazers at home.

Before the trade deadline this year, the Clippers sent Zubac and Kobe Brown to the Pacers, acquiring Benedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and one second-round pick in return.

Zubac played only five games for the Pacers, all losses, averaging 23.6 minutes per game with 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting 47.2% from the field. During his time with the Clippers this season, he averaged 30.9 minutes per game, contributing 14.4 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, with a field goal percentage of 61.3%.

It is worth noting that as a Finals team last season, their competitiveness has sharply declined this year due to injuries. Currently, they hold the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the entire league with 15 wins and 55 losses. This summer, they have a 14% chance of securing the top pick in the draft lottery.

Simply put, the Pacers have been easily defeated by opponents this season, but this does not hinder their promising future. Once the team is fully healthy next season, they may once again become a formidable threat to all competitors.