-
Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES — The surging LA Clippers will have to play at least a month without starting center Ivica Zubac.
Zubac is out with a strained right calf and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the Clippers announced before Tuesday night’s 128-117 home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was a late scratch moments before tipoff of the Clippers’ 109-105 loss at Minnesota on Sunday.
Mason Plumlee started in Zubac’s place Tuesday and had 14 points and five rebounds in 28 minutes. Daniel Theiswho started Sunday against the Timberwolves, had nine points and eight rebounds off the bench against the Thunder.
“We just got to adjust,” Lue said before Tuesday’s game. “I think [with] Mase finally trying to get in better shape, he still has a ways to go, but DT, the job he’s done since he’s been here, now they have a bigger role and more responsibility. We’re going to definitely miss Zu.”
After beating the Thunder, the Clippers have won 23 of their past 30 games. While they were surging due to the play of stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James HardenZubac provided a strong presence in the paint and contributed as a rebounder. As the Clippers got better, Zubac grew more confident as he and Harden worked daily on their pick-and-roll combination.
Zubac is averaging a career-best 12.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. The big man also doesn’t miss many games — he has played 72 or more games in each of the past four seasons.
“He wants to be out there,” Lue said. “So I just feel bad for Zu.”
