The Boston Celtics look extremely strong in their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics have taken a massive 3-0 lead, and are only a routine victory away from sweeping the Sixers. But, in Game 1, Boston lost one of their starters to a nasty ankle injury.
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Gordon Hayward has been a productive player for the Celtics ever since signing with them in 2017. A horrific leg-breaking injury on his debut left everyone stunned and speechless.
Likewise, he sustained an ankle injury in Game 1 which thankfully did not pan out to be as bad as the one in 2017. Hayward suffered a Grade III ankle sprain after landing awkwardly on his right leg.
Gordon Hayward being helped off the court after appearing to injure his ankle. pic.twitter.com/ePanph0cwZ
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) August 18, 2020
He was taken out of the game instantly, and after further examination, the severity of the injury was updated. Due to the sprain, Hayward was slated to miss up to four weeks of action.
It was indeed a bad fall for Hayward, considering the amount of weight he would have applied on his right leg. Fortunately, his return timeline is short, but recent reports suggest that Hayward has left the bubble and will only return after complete recovery.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens has not provided a concrete timetable on his return, which leaves the Celtics fans in a bit of worry. The minimum time period for the recovery is listed to be a month, which means he will be missing most of the Celtics’ playoff run.
Brad Stevens said Gordon Hayward — who sprained his ankle in game one against Philadelphia — left the Bubble on Friday. Stevens said that he doesn’t have a concrete timetable for Hayward’s return, but expects him to be back when his ankle is healthy.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 23, 2020
Celtics star Gordon Hayward was planning to leave the bubble regardless of his health condition
Gordon Hayward has decided to take some time off from the bubble and return to his family. The 30-year-old has now exited the bubble, and the primary reason revolves around his recovery process.
While that might be a cause, apparently Hayward was going to exit the bubble in a few days anyhow. Injury or not, the Celtics were going to be without their starting forward for a few days in the ongoing NBA playoffs.
As per Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Hayward’s wife is pregnant and due to deliver their fourth child in September. “Hayward had long planned to leave the bubble at some point to be present for the birth,” Mannix wrote on his twitter page.
So, the Celtics will be without Hayward for at least two-three weeks. However, they have a strong backup in place of the 6’7” forward. Marcus Smart is an intelligent defender who has been filling in as a starter for Boston.
