Nikola Vucevic fractured the ring finger on his right hand during Friday's game against the Mavericks. The Celtics center is expected to undergo a procedure Saturday and will miss approximately a month, sources told ESPN. Vucevic played just two minutes before exiting, leaving Boston without their recent acquisition in the frontcourt.

The injury comes in Vucevic's 12th game since joining Boston following a trade from Chicago before last month's deadline. The 15-year NBA veteran was averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds, providing much-needed depth alongside unproven centers Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. His absence creates immediate challenges for the Celtics' frontcourt rotation.

Vucevic's exit coincided with Jayson Tatum's return to action after 10 months recovering from a torn Achilles. The Celtics now face a significant frontcourt setback with both key players dealing with injuries. Boston must rely on their young centers to fill the void until Vucevic's expected return in approximately a month.