Gordon Hayward expected to miss four weeks with sprained ankle
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics looks for a pass against Tobias Harris #12 and Matisse Thybulle #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 17, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis - Pool/Getty Images)
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Boston Celtics announced via Twitter Tuesday afternoon that forward Gordon Hayward is expected to miss about a month. Hayward sprained his ankle in the C’s Game One Monday night win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
It is still possible Hayward could return for the conference finals if the Celtics are still playing. However, he was planning to leave the NBA’s bubble around that time for the birth of his daughter, meaning Boston could be without him for up to five weeks, and may need to make the NBA Finals to get him back.
Hayward averaged 18.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game for the Celtics in the bubble’s seeding games, and scored 12 last night. He ranks third in scoring and first in rebounding for Boston since the restart.
Without Hayward, the Celtics will likely move Marcus Smart into the starting lineup. Semi Ojeleye and rookie Romeo Langford could see more minutes off the bench.
The Celtics return to the floor Wednesday for Game Two against Philadelphia at 6:30 p.m. You can catch Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell on the call with pregame coverage starting at 6 p.m. on 105.7 WROR.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering both the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.