Boston Celtics wing Gordon Hayward is expected to return on Christmas Day against the Toronto Raptors after logging a “strong” workout this morning, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN:
Brad Stevens says Gordon Hayward had a strong workout this morning. Won’t play today but says he expects him to be probable after today – meaning he’ll likely be back for Christmas Day in Toronto.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 22, 2019
Hayward was initially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, then upgraded on the injury report to questionable after his workout went smoothly Sunday morning. While he will not play in this game, Hayward is likely to suit up in Toronto on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old will have missed three consecutive games by the time the game tips off this evening, but news that his absence will be a brief one should be warmly received by Celtics fans. Brad Stevens initiated a bit of concern when he said that Hayward's foot had been bothering him even before he suffered the broken hand, but subsequent MRIs have come back clean.
There are always going to be reservations with respect to Hayward's health, particularly concerning knee injuries. After all, he missed the entirety of the 2017-18 season when he broke his leg in the first game of the year. That said, the Celtics are taking precautions and getting reads from Hayward himself.
Boston have managed to win each of the past two without Hayward in the rotation, including Friday night's blowout win against the Detroit Pistons. Still, fans will await his return with bated breath.
The former All-Star made a miraculous return form the hand injury on Dec. 9, and he looked better in each of the three games that he played before being sidelined with this knee ailment.
Getting Hayward back in Toronto would make for a nice Christmas gift.
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