12/21/2025, 10:53 PM

Out for at least three weeks

Zubac sustained the injury in the first quarter of Saturday's game, and further tests diagnosed the veteran center with a Grade 2 ankle sprain. The injury will keep him sidelined through mid-January and opens the door for Brook Lopez to enter the Clippers' starting lineup. Kobe Brown -- who has played just four minutes over the Clippers' last two games -- could also see a significant boost in playing time off the bench for as long as Zubac is sidelined.

12/21/2025, 4:20 PM

Larger role after Zubac exit

Lopez entered Saturday's game averaging 14.2 minutes off the bench, but his 25 minutes were a season high and largely came after Ivica Zubac left in the first quarter due to a left ankle injury. Lopez would be an intriguing fantasy streamer at center for his rebounding and three-point proficiency if Zubac were to be sidelined for an extended period of time.

12/21/2025, 2:09 PM

Steps up in decisive win

Ivica Zubac showed significant signs of injury before finally exiting the game, and Collins was exceptional in holding down the frontcourt in his absence. Although the team has Brook Lopez available to step in, Collins has begun to show consistency after suffering through a tough scoring slump in mid-November. Collins was brought in to help Zubac in the interior, but the veteran has plenty of experience holding down the five by himself. Zubac's potential absence could allow Collins to replicate some of the magic he showed in his days with Atlanta and Utah.