Ivica Zubac had been sidelined since Jan. 12 with a strained right calf.

MIAMI (AP) — Ivica Zubac is back for the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers got their starting center back on Sunday, with Zubac in the lineup against the Miami Heat after a nine-game absence because of a strained right calf.

“It means a lot because Zu’s been our starting center to anchor our defense,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “He understands our offense, because he’s been here all four years that I’ve been here. But the biggest thing is defensively … it’s just huge for us.”

Zubac totaled four points and three rebounds in 19 minutes as the Clippers won 103-95.

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