Heats Playoff Prospects Diminished as Nikola Jović Faces Extended Absence Due to Hand Injury

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MIAMI (AP)— Nikola Jović will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks due to a fracture in his right hand, the Miami Heat announced on Tuesday, posing a significant challenge to the team’s aspirations for a guaranteed playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

The injury occurred during Sunday’s matchup against Milwaukee, where Jović sustained a break in the second metacarpal of his hand, which was confirmed during halftime. He was not on the court for Monday’s game in Atlanta and underwent an assessment by the Heat’s leading hand surgeon, Elizabeth Ann Ouellette, along with team physician Harlan Selesnick, leading to the announcement of the four-week recovery period.

According to the team, Jović will be fitted with a splint until he undergoes further evaluation.

“I really empathize with Niko,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra shortly after the injury was reported. “He has dedicated so much to this season.”

The Heat will face Atlanta at home on Wednesday.

With this four-week recovery estimate, it appears Jović—who is averaging 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this year—will likely miss at least 15 additional games, with a potential earliest return on March 25 when the Heat take on former Miami player Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors.

This season, Miami has a record of 11-5 when Jović scores 14 points or more. As of Tuesday, the Heat ranked ninth in the Eastern Conference, trailing Detroit by five games in their pursuit of the sixth seed, which secures the final playoff position.