Celtics-Mavericks aftermath: Vučević fractures finger in blow to frontcourt

The Boston Celtics' 120-100 rout of the Dallas Mavericks—powered by Jayson Tatum's season debut as covered earlier—was dampened by center Nikola Vučević fracturing his right finger in the first quarter. The 35-year-old underwent surgery Saturday and faces a 3-4 week reevaluation.

Building on Jayson Tatum's impactful return from Achilles injury in the Celtics' dominant win over the Mavericks at TD Garden, attention shifted to a significant setback: newly acquired center Nikola Vučević's hand injury.

Vučević, traded from the Chicago Bulls at the deadline, broke his right finger early in the game. Boston announced he had successful surgery Saturday morning and will be sidelined for at least a month, potentially returning for the final five regular-season games if reevaluated favorably in four weeks.

In 12 bench appearances since joining, Vučević averaged 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 21.6 minutes, shooting 35.1% from three. Team president Brad Stevens had lauded his presence last month: "When Vooch walks into the room, it looks different. He's big and long and strong and can be standing next to anybody in this league and not look small."

Adjusting from a starting role, Vučević recently scored 28 against the Nets and noted to CLNS Media: "still getting used to, obviously, the new offense, and all my teammates... At times I feel like I overthink a little bit, which makes me kind of hesitant."

His absence elevates backup Luka Garza, a 43% three-point shooter (low volume), whom the Celtics viewed Vučević as upgrading alongside Neemias Queta insurance. With Boston's health otherwise solid, coach Joe Mazzulla could turn to small-ball or rookie Amari Williams if needed.

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Jayson Tatum dunks powerfully in season debut, leading Celtics to victory over Mavericks.
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Jayson Tatum's strong season debut powers Celtics past Mavericks

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In his season debut after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Jayson Tatum nearly posted a triple-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, leading the Boston Celtics to a 120-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026.

The Boston Celtics bolstered their frontcourt by trading guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls for center Nikola Vučević ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The deal helps Boston address depth issues while shedding salary to ease luxury tax burdens. Bulls players praised Vučević as an ultimate professional in emotional post-trade reactions.

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Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand during Thursday night's 116-114 loss to the Utah Jazz, potentially facing months on the sidelines if surgery is required. The 10-time All-Star will seek a second opinion to determine the extent of the injury. This development complicates the Mavericks' season and dims Davis's trade prospects ahead of the February 5 deadline.

One day after sustaining ligament damage in his left hand during Thursday's loss to the Utah Jazz, Anthony Davis faces surgery that could sideline him for the season. The 10-time All-Star's trade likelihood has fallen to 2/10 ahead of the February 5 deadline, prompting Dallas to prioritize rookie Cooper Flagg amid draft pick constraints.

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The Milwaukee Bucks staged an 18-point comeback to defeat the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons 113-109 on Wednesday night, but the victory was overshadowed by a right calf strain suffered by star Giannis Antetokounmpo early in the first quarter. Antetokounmpo is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, per reports, while ongoing discussions about his future with the team continue. Coach Doc Rivers denied any trade request from the two-time MVP.

Donovan Mitchell will miss the Cleveland Cavaliers' Friday matchup against the Detroit Pistons due to a groin injury. James Harden is listed as questionable with a fractured right thumb. The Cavaliers, holding the No. 4 seed in the East, face a pivotal game against the league-leading Pistons.

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to make his return from a right calf strain in Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The two-time MVP has missed eight games since injuring himself on December 3. His comeback comes amid trade rumors, but Antetokounmpo remains focused on helping his struggling team.

 

 

 

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