Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac is out for Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns due to an MCL sprain, according to the team. The Clippers will also be missing Kawhi Leonard, who has been dealing with a knee injury.
Update: Mann will start in place of Zubac for Game 5 vs. the Suns, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Los Angeles Clippers will start Terance Mann in place of Ivica Zubac (MCL sprain) tonight against the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell @YahooSports, @NBAonTNT.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2021
Zubac has been a major factor in the series, averaging 12.8 points and 11.0 rebounds for the Clippers. Although Los Angeles relies heavily on small ball lineups, Zubac has been instrumental in giving the Clippers good minutes in the paint. He was part of a key run in Game 3 that sparked a LA victory.
With Zubac out, expect DeMarcus Cousins to get additional run. The big man has been used sparingly in the playoffs, but Tyronn Lue has no other options with Zubac sitting. Cousins is averaging 5.7 minutes per game in the series and only really appeared in Games 1 and 2. Terance Mann, Marcus Morris and Nicolas Batum may feature at the center position for long periods of time if the Clippers decide to go small.