The Boston Celtics announced on Saturday that Montenegrin center Nikola Vucevic has successfully undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery to repair a fractured right ring finger. The surgery was performed by Dr. Hervé Kimball at New England Baptist Hospital, with assistance from Celtics team physician Tony Shener.

According to the official announcement, Vucevic will undergo a follow-up examination in 3 to 4 weeks. NBA insider Marc Stein further pointed out that the Celtics hope Vucevic can return before the playoffs. They currently only have Nemias Cueta and Luca Garza at the center position, which is insufficient to cope with the upcoming playoffs.

The 35-year-old Vucevic, the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft, has previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls. Since joining the Celtics on February 3, he has appeared in 12 regular-season games, averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 21.7 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.5% and a three-point percentage of 35.1%.

Despite Vucevic being sidelined due to injury, the Celtics still had good news: Jayson Tatum, who had been sidelined for nearly ten months due to a torn right Achilles tendon, finally made his official return in the last regular season game.

According to statistics, Tatum played a total of 27 minutes and 10 seconds in this game, shooting 6-for-16 from the field and 3-for-8 from three-point range, contributing a respectable stat line of 15 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal. The Celtics ultimately defeated the Dallas Mavericks despite Vucevic leaving the game early due to injury, and finished with a 42-21 record, ranking second in the Eastern Conference.

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