The Boston Celtics are gaining momentum at the perfect time—and now, they may be getting a crucial piece back just before the postseason begins.
Fresh off a dominant 147-129 victory over the Miami Heat, Boston continues to look like one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference. With stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both firing on all cylinders, the latest injury update surrounding Nikola Vucevic could not have come at a better time.
Strong Form Heading Into the Playoffs
The Celtics have now won eight of their last ten games, improving to 51-25 and holding firm as the No. 2 seed in the East. Their recent win showcased just how dangerous they can be offensively.
Brown delivered a standout performance with 43 points and seven assists, while Tatum recorded a triple-double—25 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists—in his return to top form. Boston also made history, setting a franchise record with 53 points in the first quarter.
With just six regular-season games remaining, the Celtics appear to be peaking at the right moment.
Vucevic Takes Major Step Forward
The biggest development, however, came off the stat sheet.
Vucevic, who has been sidelined since March 6 with a fractured right ring finger, participated in a 3-on-3 session during shootaround. The workout included physical contact, defensive reps, and ball movement—clear signs of progress in his recovery.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized patience but acknowledged the encouraging signs.
“He’s getting better,” Mazzulla said. “The most important thing is that he feels 100%. When he’s ready, he’ll come back.”
While no official return date has been announced, this marks Vucevic’s most significant step toward rejoining the lineup since undergoing surgery.
Frontcourt Depth Becoming a Strength
Before the injury, Vucevic showed glimpses of his value to Boston, averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds while stretching the floor with his shooting.
In his absence, Luka Garza has stepped up impressively, delivering efficient scoring and strong minutes off the bench. His recent 20-point outing highlighted the depth Boston has developed.
Alongside Garza, Neemias Queta has also contributed, giving the Celtics multiple options in the frontcourt rotation.
When Vucevic returns, Boston will face a good problem: too many productive big men competing for minutes.
Bucks Matchup and Injury Report
Heading into their upcoming clash with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics are nearly at full strength. Vucevic remains the only player listed on the injury report.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, will be significantly undermanned. Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for the season, while Bobby Portis and Kevin Porter Jr. are also sidelined.
Boston has already dominated the season series, winning two of three matchups by large margins.
Final Outlook
With Brown playing arguably the best basketball of his career and Tatum regaining his rhythm, the Celtics look poised for a deep playoff run.
The potential return of Vucevic only strengthens that outlook. His inside scoring, rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor would add another layer to an already well-balanced roster.
As the postseason approaches, Boston isn’t just getting healthy—they’re getting dangerous at exactly the right time.
