Brutal news for Celtics, as one of their stars will miss some time. Boston, who is in the middle of a playoff series with Philadelphia, won't be able to count with Gordon Hayward for a while.
The Celtics forward suffered a Grade III sprain of his right ankle during the fourth quarter of Game 1 against Philadelphia. He is expected to miss approximately four weeks, and his recovery will be based on how swelling and pain reduces over the next few weeks.
#NEBHInjuryReport Celtics forward @gordonhayward suffered a Grade III sprain of his right ankle during the fourth quarter of last night’s game against Philadelphia. He is expected to miss approximately four weeks.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 18, 2020
Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
Hayward landed awkwardly on Daniel Theis’ foot while going for a rebound late in the fourth quarter and limped to the locker room. Malika Andrews from ESPN reported that he left the Arena on crutches.
Prior to the injury, he had accumulated 12 points (5-13 FG, 2-6 3PT), four rebounds and three assists across 34 minutes before exiting.
With Hayward sidelined, Brad Stevens will most likely move Marcus Smart into the starting line-up and make Jaylen Brown play SF. The only chance for Hayward to return to the playoffs, is if the Celtics make a deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals or NBA Finals.