Yahoo Lifestyle Gordon Hayward to miss four weeks after suffering Grade III ankle sprain
The Boston Celtics will be without Gordon Hayward as the team pushes for the NBA Finals. Hayward will miss the next four weeks after suffering a Grade III ankle sprain during Monday’s game, the team announced.
Hayward, 30, was injured during the fourth quarter of Monday’s 109-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Hayward left the contest with a little over 3 minutes left to play. He had to be helped off the court, and was spotted in the locker room after the contest with a boot on his right ankle. Prior to the injury, Hayward had 12 points and 4 rebounds.
Gordon Hayward could return in time for the NBA Finals
While the Celtics will be without Hayward for an extended period of the time, he wasn’t ruled out for the season. If the Celtics make a run and make it to the NBA Finals, Hayward could potentially return to the court. The NBA Finals won’t start until Sept. 30, giving Hayward more than 4 weeks to recover. That’s no guarantee, as Hayward could need more time to get back on the court.
In order for that to happen, the Celtics would likely have to pull off at least one upset. If the team can get past the 76ers, it could face the No. 2 seed Toronto Raptors in the next round. After that, the No. 1 seed Milwaukee Bucks could be waiting for the Celtics. The Raptors hold a one-game lead over the Brooklyn Nets. The Bucks begin their series with the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
As for the Celtics, the team is looking to take a 2-0 lead over the 76ers when their series resumes Wednesday.
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