Miami Heat's Nikola Jovic is facing a setback as he will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a broken bone in his right hand, the team revealed on Tuesday. This unfortunate injury deals a blow to the Heat's ambitions of securing a guaranteed playoff position in the competitive Eastern Conference.
The injury occurred during Sunday's game against Milwaukee when Jovic fractured the second metacarpal in his hand. The diagnosis was made at halftime, leading to his absence from Monday's game in Atlanta. Following evaluation by Heat's chief of hand surgery, Elizabeth Ann Ouellette, and team physician Harlan Selesnick on Tuesday, a four-week recovery timeline was established.
Jovic will be wearing a splint until his next evaluation, according to the team's statement.
Expressing empathy for Jovic, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra remarked, "I feel for Niko. I know how much he's put into this."
The Heat is scheduled to face Atlanta on Wednesday without Jovic in the lineup.
With the projected four-week absence, Jovic, who boasts an average of 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season, is expected to miss approximately 15 more games. The earliest possible comeback date for Jovic is March 25 when the Heat will host the Golden State Warriors, led by former Miami forward Jimmy Butler.
Notably, Miami has a record of 11-5 this season when Jovic scores at least 14 points. As of Tuesday, the Heat holds the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, trailing Detroit by five games in the race for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff berth.
