Nikola Vucevic Out One Month For Celtics

Merlin sees Nikola Vučević exiting Friday’s game with a fractured right ring finger and set for a procedure Saturday, expected to miss about one month, per Shams Charania. He played just under two minutes before staff examined his hand and was "ruled out for the remainder of the game." Vučević had averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes since the Feb. 3 trade that brought him to Boston. Merlin notes the timing is harsh with Jayson Tatum just returning from a ruptured Achilles. Boston loses Vučević’s spacing, rebounding, and the plus-13.4 net rating he brings on the floor. Expect coach adjustments, more minutes for Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, and a cautious recovery plan as the Celtics test their depth over the next month.