Ivica Zubac finally debuts for Pacers in loss to Suns
Indiana’s new center made his first appearance since the trade with the Clippers, offering a glimpse of the team’s future despite another loss. Plus, news & notes.
Good evening and welcome back to Fieldhouse Files. I’m Scott Agness.
Please excuse the lack of consistent content this week. I’m out of town and working on a few special pieces that I think you’ll really enjoy.
Also — happy Friday the 13th. It’s a lucky day in my household; No. 13 is my favorite number.
The Pacers are back after spending the last week out west for four games in seven days. And you’d think they would get to enjoy a lighter schedule, but nope.
Not yet.
The Pacers began a stretch of five games in seven days on Thursday, including two sets of back-to-backs. Just brutal, especially for a team dealing with many injuries and taking a cautious approach to the end of what has been a forgettable and frustrating season for the team and fans alike.
They’re now 15-51, owners of the league’s worst winning percentage (.227).
What’s at stake? Their first-round pick. It belongs to them if it is pick 1-4 or 10-30.
The bright spot, however, in Thursday’s game was the debut of their starting center, Ivica Zubac. He was acquired from the LA Clippers last month — and a lot has happened in between then and now.
