The Boston Celtics say that center [Nikola Vucevic](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/nikola-vucevic-opens-getting-acclimated-celtics) will not return to Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks after fracturing his right index finger.
Vucevic exited the game holding and shaking his right hand after a brief first-quarter stint. He headed back to the locker room and was ruled out early in the second quarter. Vucevic is no small loss for the Celtics, who made a splash when they acquired him from the Chicago Bulls at last month’s trade deadline for Anfernee Simons. Since joining the Cs, Vucevic has appeared in 11 games including one start.
“It’s been pretty good,” the big man said of his first few weeks in Boston. “I’m still getting used to, obviously, the new offense and all my teammates and learning their tendencies and things like that, finding my ways.”
He’s averaged 11.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
"As he continues to get better and better, it's just another piece that we can unlock, and you kind of saw it tonight," Joe Mazzulla said of Vucevic following Monday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Not even halfway through the third quarter, Shams Charania of ESPN already provided a very specific update to this story, [reporting that Vooch will undergo a procedure on Saturday](https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2030094192228159820?s=20) and is expected to miss approximately a month.
Luka Garza isn't a bad understudy for Vucevic
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Boston promptly replaced Vucevic’s spot in the rotation with Luka Garza, who has given them good minutes in spurts this season.
Garza earned a consistent spot in Joe Mazzulla’s lineup from mid-December on, thanks to his extreme motor and nose for offensive rebounds. Plus, he’s proven to be a reliable shooter from beyond the arc.
The former collegiate player of the year is having his best season as a pro with Boston. Through 52 appearances, he’s averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 57.4% from the field and 43.9% from long range.
Garza’s consistency so far this season should have Celtics fans feeling a bit better about losing the multi-time All-Star for the near future.
At the time of this being written (four minutes remaining in the first half) Garza has already put together an impressive shift. The former Iowa Hawkeye poured in 10 points, including tow threes, and ripped down four rebounds before being replaced by Neemias Queta to close the second quarter.