Celtics Announce Nikola Vucevic Injury Update Ahead of Raptors Game

Vucevic has been sidelined for nearly a month after undergoing surgery in early March to stabilize a fracture in his ring finger. He had been listed as out for every game since, but on Saturday, the Celtics upgraded his status to questionable for Sunday’s matchup, signaling that his return could be imminent.

That would provide a significant boost for the Celtics, as Vucevic has played an important role since being acquired from the Bulls ahead of the trade deadline in a deal that sent Anfernee Simons to Chicago.

"He’s going to help us — we obviously see the impact that he has on us as a player, especially last time we played Miami, he was huge," head coach Joe Mazzulla said a few days ago.

Before his injury, Vucevic appeared in 12 games for Boston, averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from three. Earlier in the season with Chicago, the 35-year-old averaged 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, shooting an efficient 50.5 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Boston’s frontcourt depth had been a concern earlier this season, prompting the midseason move for Vucevic. In his absence, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have taken on larger roles, but his return would provide a much-needed lift heading into the playoffs.

The Celtics also made a roster move on Saturday, signing two-way wing Ron Harper Jr. to a new two-year deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The son of former NBA player Ron Harper, Harper Jr. has contributed in limited minutes this season, averaging 3.4 points per game while also spending time with Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine.