Hayward Out 4 Weeks With Sprained Ankle

Gordon Hayward has been diagnosed with a grade 3 right ankle sprain Monday in the Celtics’ first playoff game this season against the 76ers. The injury occurred when Hayward attempted a rebound and landed on teammate Daniel Theis’ foot, causing Hayward to limp off the court.

    Hayward has a history of injuries, highlighted by his gruesome left ankle injury on opening night in 2017. If there is anything positive about this situation, it is the fact that Monday’s injury was not to the same ankle. In his last 10 games, Hayward averages 18/7/4 and his absence will undoubtedly hurt the Celtics on their playoff run.

Looking forward, Hayward is scheduled to be activated around September 15th, which will fall around the time of the NBA Conference Finals. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 61 points in Game 1, and will have to continue to play at that level for Hayward to play again this season.