Celtics' Nikola Vucevic fractures finger, reportedly needs surgery

Zack Cox, Boston Herald on Mar 6, 2026

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BOSTON —Just as they got Jayson Tatum back from Achilles surgery, the Celtics lost another veteran contributor to injury.

Center Nikola Vucevic suffered a fractured right ring finger during the first quarter of Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. He will undergo surgery and is expected to miss “approximately one month,” according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.

A one-month recovery would put Vucevic back on the court during the final week of the regular season. Boston plays its final regular-season game on April 12.

Vucevic sustained the injury while battling for position with Mavericks big man Moussa Cisse on an entry pass. He immediately grabbed at his right hand and checked out at the next timeout, leaving the court in visible pain.

After being evaluated on the bench by members of the Celtics’ training staff, Vucevic exited toward the locker room. The team ruled him out less than 15 minutes later.

The Celtics acquired Vucevic from the Bulls ahead of last month’s NBA trade deadline, sending guard Anfernee Simons to Chicago in return. The 35-year-old entered Friday averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds across 11 appearances for Boston, serving as the top backup to starting center Neemias Queta.

Luka Garza, who was pushed out of head coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation after Vucevic’s arrival, replaced him after his injury. Best known for his abilities as a screener, offensive rebounder and perimeter shooter, Garza was a rotation regular from late December until early February. The Celtics outscored opponents by nearly 150 points with him on the floor during that span.

Second-round rookie Amari Williams is fourth on Boston’s depth chart behind Queta, Vucevic and Garza.