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Boston Celtics: Danny Ainge shares injury updates on Gordon Hayward and Aron Baynes

By Travis Babcock

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 6: Head coach Aron Baynes #46 and Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics stand for the national anthem of the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 6, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 6: Head coach Aron Baynes #46 and Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics stand for the national anthem of the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 6, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge has given a promising update on a potential return date for injured Celtics Aron Baynes and Gordon Hayward.

The Boston Celtics lost Aron Baynes Wednesday night during their marquee matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers to what initially appeared to be a severe ankle injury. The team has already been without Gordon Hayward for several games while he continues to navigate the NBA’s concussion protocol.

Fortunately for the Celtics both are set to return to action sooner rather than later, according to Danny Ainge. On his weekly appearance with 98.5′ The Sports Hub’s “Toucher and Rich” Ainge commented on the status of Aron Baynes following the diagnosis of a Grade 2 ankle sprain.

"“I don’t know. It’s day-to-day.” “I don’t think it was a terribly bad ankle sprain. I don’t think it’s going to be three weeks, but I think that it’s just a day-to-day injury.”"

The typical recovery time given to athletes with that sort of injury is 2-4 weeks. Day-to-day might be a bit optimistic given the incident occurred less than 24 hours ago, but the key date to note is April 5th. That marks the final day of the regular season with the playoffs beginning just a few days shortly after.

Given this prognosis, Baynes can be expected to return to action before the start of the playoffs. Big news for the team.

Ainge also offered a positive update on the status of Gordon Hayward, who is in the concussion protocol after getting hit in the head in Saturday’s bought with the Atlanta Hawks.

"“I did speak with Gordon, and it looks like Gordon is getting well and he’s going through the protocol,” Ainge said Thursday. “So, my guess is he’ll either play Saturday or Sunday. He’ll play this weekend; I’m not exactly sure when he’ll play.”"

This is big news for the Celtics, as his impact off the bench has been significant of late. In the month of March Hayward is averaging 10.5 points per game to go along with 3.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds. He’s also shooting 37.5% from downtown in 21 minutes per contest.

Getting Gordon re-inserted into the lineup as early as this weekend could go a long way in righting the ship after dropping two straight and falling behind 3rd seeded Philadelphia by three games.

dark. Next. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas’s return a reminder of a much simpler time

Boston heads to Charlotte on Saturday to take on Kemba Walker and the Hornets. They will then head home to meet LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs on the 2nd night of a back to back. Expect Hayward to suit up for at least one of the two matchups this weekend.

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