According to the Associated Press on Tuesday, the Miami Heat will be without power forward Nikola Jovic (not to be confused with three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic) of Leicester, Great Britain for the next month. Jovic broke his hand on Sunday in a 120-113 Heat loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The specific break was a fractured metacarpal. Jovic was diagnosed with the broken bone at halftime against the Bucks, and did not play on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks (a 98-86 Heat win). He was then evaluated by Heat doctors two days ago and was told he would be out the next four weeks.
Jovic had become an integral part of the Heat organization since they traded Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors and since Butler had a falling out with the Heat organization. He had seen his minutes rise consistently to the 25 minute to 35 minute range.
In 2024-25, Jovic reached double digits in points for the first time in his career. The 21-year-old first round pick who represents Serbia internationally despite being born in England, is enjoying a career year. Jokic is averaging 10.7 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 2.8 assists per game. He also has a field goal percentage of .456, three point percentage of .371, and a free throw percentage of .828.
The Heat meanwhile won their second straight game without Jovic on Tuesday, as they won the second game of a back-to-back against the Hawks, 131-109. With the win, the Heat are at 27 wins and 30 losses. That is the eighth best record in the East.
