Gordon Hayward is expected to be questionable for tomorrow’s Boston Celtics game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Brad Stevens told 98.5 The Sports Hub, due to an injury on his right (non-surgically repaired) ankle.
Basketball’s back, and that means the ugly side of the game is back too. According to Brad Stevens on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand show, Gordon Hayward twisted his right ankle in a workout yesterday with Semi Ojeleye, and he’ll be questionable for tomorrow’s Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks matchup.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens says on @ZoandBertrand that Gordon Hayward twisted his right ankle in a workout with Semi Ojeleye yesterday. He expects him to be questionable vs. Bucks.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 20, 2019
Of course, that right ankle is not the one that was surgically repaired after his horrific injury at the beginning of last season, which should bring a sigh of relief to Boston Celtics fans. Stevens continued on to say that the injury isn’t serious and isn’t expected to be a long-term issue:
also told us he doesn't expect it to be longterm this morning on @985TheSportsHub https://t.co/QsnMJVgayG
— Zolak & Bertrand (@ZoandBertrand) February 20, 2019
While this seems like a much more minor setback than his first injury with Boston, it’s still not a great look, especially considering his growth over the past few months. Hayward is averaging 11.2/4.6/3.5 on 43.8/33.7/85.2 shooting splits for the season, but since the turn of the calendar year he’s averaged 12.5/4.1/3.5 on much more efficient 50/38.2/80.4 splits.
His final three games before the All-Star break featured 19, 26, and 18 point performances, and he also seemed to be getting into his 3-point groove, sinking 9-16 deep balls in the span. It looked like the start of a new Hayward, so the Boston Celtics will have to hope that the injury doesn’t derail his progress.
As far as immediate implications go, the Milwaukee Bucks will be a formidable opponent to kick off their post-All-Star schedule, as Giannis Antetokounmpo will be hungry for a victory after losing to Team LeBron and Kyrie Irving in the All-Star game.
The Bucks stand at the top of the Eastern conference at 43-14, while the Celtics sit 6.5 games behind in the fourth seed. They may not be able to catch up with Milwaukee by the end of the season, but as a potential playoff matchup, these games are crucial to win.
Boston might have to figure it out without Gordon Hayward. If they’re as lucky as their logo, though, he’ll be ready to go tomorrow night. If not, their best hope is that it’s only a minor setback.