Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward sustained a fractured left hand back on Nov. 9 and now could be able to return one month to the day for Monday's contest versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hayward said Sunday during a media session that he was feeling great and wouldn't rule himself out for suiting up at the TD Garden, indicating “tomorrow is a possibility” for when he could get back into action, via the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn.
Gordon Hayward said he’s feeling great and wouldn’t count out a return tomorrow. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/8IamcftXj2
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) December 8, 2019
Prior to the injury, Hayward was showing signs of reclaiming his old offensive self, having averaged 18.9 points per contest, while also hauling in 7.1 rebounds on a nightly basis, which puts him on pace for a new career high. Arguably the most impressive part of his season thus far has been his 55.5 percent shooting percentage, having averaged 7.6 made field goals each game.
With Hayward sidelined, Marcus Smart has stepped into the starting five and excelled. He has averaged nearly three more points per contest as a starter, while the Celtics have gone 9-4 during Hayward's absence.
Boston enters Monday's contest second in the Eastern Conference at 16-5, having gone 7-1 on the year when Hayward is on the floor. The team overhauled their roster during the offseason with Kyrie Irving departing in free agency, while Boston nabbed Kemba Walker as his replacement. The early results have yielded strong returns, with Hayward's increased role in the offense one of the glaring differences between Walker and Irving.
Should Hayward not suit up versus the Cavaliers, his next chance to take the floor comes Wednesday against the Pacers.
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