Celtics C Nikola Vucevic sidelined 3-4 weeks with finger injury

Veteran center underwent surgery to repair a broken right ring finger

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic will miss 3-4 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken right ring finger. The injury occurred during the first quarter of Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Vucevic, a two-time All-Star, has averaged 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in 12 games since being acquired by the Celtics in a trade on February 5th.

Why it matters

Vucevic's absence is a significant blow to the Celtics, who are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings. The team will need to find ways to replace his production in the frontcourt as they make a push for the playoffs.

The details

Vucevic underwent surgery on Saturday at Boston's New England Baptist Hospital to stabilize the fracture in his right ring finger. The Celtics announced that he will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks, putting his potential return right around the end of the regular season on April 12.

  • The injury occurred during the first quarter of Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.
  • Vucevic had surgery on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Celtics said Vucevic will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks.

The players

Nikola Vucevic

A 35-year-old veteran center who was acquired by the Boston Celtics in a trade on February 5, 2026. Vucevic is a two-time NBA All-Star who has career averages of 17.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Boston Celtics

An NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts that currently sits in second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This injury to Vucevic is a significant setback for the Celtics as they make a push for the playoffs. The team will need to find ways to replace his production in the frontcourt during his absence, which could last until the final weeks of the regular season.