Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac listed as ‘questionable’ ahead of WCF Game 5
LOS ANGELES – Hours before tip-off of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, it was announced center Ivica Zubac was listed as questionable in the must-win game for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Zubac was a crucial part of the Clippers’ Game 3 win with 16 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 15 points.
If Zubac is unable to play, that will likely mean guaranteed playtime for DeMarcus Cousins as the fatigued Clippers are running out of options with multiple injuries.
The Clippers are down 3-1 in the best-of-seven series after a frustrating Game 4 loss at Staples Center on Saturday night.
RELATED: Fatigued Clippers find themselves staring at 3-1 deficit
Los Angeles, who advanced to their first West finals in franchise history, is up against a healthy Phoenix Suns squad on their home court.
The injuries have forced head coach Tyronne Lue to be creative with his rotations.
Center Serge Ibaka has missed every playoff game due to a back injury he recently had surgery for and Marcus Morris Sr. continues to battle a knee injury, which has limited his time on the floor. Perhaps the biggest obstacle of all has been navigating around the absence of two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard who has yet to return after suffering a right knee strain during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz.
The Clippers organization has remained mum on the severity of the NBA superstar’s injury.
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Leonard’s absence has placed even more pressure on NBA All-Star Paul George who has faced heavy scrutiny for his playoff performances and has been taunted by critics as “Pandemic P,” instead of his nickname, “Playoff P.”
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Still, the team has prevailed against the odds with some remarkable offensive performances from Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann. In addition, Patrick Beverly has done incredible defensive work on Phoenix’s lethal shooter, Devin Booker.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
- Game 1: Suns 120, Clippers 114. Final.
- Game 2: Suns 104, Clippers 103. Final.
- Game 3: Clippers 106, Suns 92. Final.
- Game 4: Suns 84, Clippers 80. Final.
- Game 5: Clippers at Suns, Monday, June 28 | 6 p.m. PT
- Game 6: Suns at Clippers, Wednesday, June 30 | 6 p.m. PT*
- Game 7: Clippers at Suns, Friday, July 2 | 6 p.m. PT*
Game 5 is set to begin at 6 p.m. PT Monday and airs on ESPN.
