According to Boston Celtics PR, rookie wing Hugo Gonzalez was questionable to return to their game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a left ankle sprain. However, in another update mid-way through the fourth quarter, Gonzalez was upgraded to available.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter as Gonzalez was guarding on the perimeter. He went to recover after a step-back by the Sixers, turning his ankle in the process.
Immediately after he turned it, Gonzalez looked to the Celtics bench and asked to be subbed out of the game. Despite that, he still managed to get a steal on the same possession. He intercepted a pass and attempted to run the break, but he got called for a travel when he tried to jump off his sprained ankle.
Right after the play, Joe Mazzulla called for Jordan Walsh to replace Gonzalez, who limped right back to the locker room, followed by Celtics trainers.
Hugo Gonzalez injured in Celtics vs. 76ers
The fact that Gonzalez was reported as questionable instead of doubtful could be a positive sign for the state of the injury, though there’s no telling how bad the ailment is.
Up to this point in the season, Gonzalez has had a much larger role than most people would have anticipated. He was the No. 28 selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, yet he’s been a continuous face in Mazzulla’s rotation this season.
He’s earned minutes thanks to his impressive defense, guarding the likes of Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and even Paolo Banchero. Mazzulla has used him as a primary defender on some of the league’s biggest stars, and it’s worked out well for Boston.
Gonzalez’s most recent impressive performance came in the Celtics’ win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. He was a part of a great lineup early in the fourth quarter that completely stuffed the Magic’s offensive game.
Alongside Walsh, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta, the Celtics’ defense turned things up a notch, and it was a huge reason they were able to walk out of the Kia Center with a win.
Now, Gonzalez could be forced to miss some time amidst the hot start to his rookie campaign. It would be huge blow to the Celtics’ rotation, as Gonzalez’s defense has been integral to what they want to accomplish on that end of the court.
More information about Gonzalez’s ankle should be revealed in the coming days, but getting upgraded to available in the fourth is a great sign.