Nikola Vucevic Shares Injury Update and Return Timeline

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Nikola Vucevic of the Boston Celtics

Just when it looked like the Boston Celtics were getting fully healthy following the return of Jayson Tatum, Nikola Vucevic suffered a finger injury. Vucevic underwent surgery on March 7, and he has shared an update on his recovery and potential return timeline.

Vucevic, who was acquired from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline, suffered a fractured ring finger on March 6 against the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported that the two-time All-Star center was given a recovery timeline of three to four weeks.

Citing NBC Sports Boston, Bobby Manning of CLNS Sports reported on Friday that Vucevic is set to undergo an X-ray to evaluate his recovery. He is expected to get cleared for contact and will likely return before the end of the regular season.

Vucevic Provides Update on His Recovery and Timeline

GettyNikola Vucevic #4 of the Boston Celtics

Speaking to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn, Vucevic opened up about his unfortunate injury and how he’s navigating through it. He was frustrated when it happened due to the timing, but it’s not his first time dealing with a fracture injury.

Vucevic added that despite his injury, he remains able to do some things on the court. He just has to work on his rhythm before returning to the court, possibly in the final week of the regular season.

“The good thing is I can still do some stuff on the court,” Vucevic said. “That will help me for when I come back (to be in) shape, and hopefully, I get a couple games before the playoffs, get back in rhythm with the guys that week between regular season and playoffs, every­thing going as smoothly as possible.”

In 12 games in Boston so far, Vucevic is averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He has only started once and has primarily come off the bench. He has no problem with his role after speaking to coach Joe Mazzulla after the trade.

The Celtics are close to clinching a playoff spot. They would want to finish as high as possible, likely second in the East. However, they have the third-hardest strength of schedule, as per Tankathon.

More Update on Vucevic’s Recovery

In addition to his possible timeline, Vucevic also revealed how the team is taking extra precautions in his recovery. He is required to wear a small brace on his finger when off the court. He replaces it with a bulkier brace when doing basketball workouts.

Vucevic will be required to continue wearing the bulkier brace to prevent any setbacks. He shared details of his surgery, which had doctors inserting pins and screws in his finger to stabilize it.

In Vucevic’s absence, the Celtics continue to rely on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Queta is having the best season of his career, averaging 9.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 blocks. Garza, on the other hand, is putting up 7.6 points and 3.9 assists as the primary backup.

As for Jayson Tatum, he’s still trying to find his rhythm. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals on just 39.0% shooting in seven games.

Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He’s currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David