The Boston Celtics have been without Gordon Hayward since March 16 due to a concussion. He's been progressing well, according to head coach Brad Stevens. However, he has been ruled out for their game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.

It's good news for the Celtics that Hayward is nearing a return. However, they'll already be missing center Aron Baynes against the Hornets. With both out, Boston's depth will take a serious hit.

Hayward has had an up-and-down season this year. That's unsurprising after the scary injury he suffered last season. Still, he's averaging 10.8 points and 3.4 assists, to go along with 4.3 rebounds per game.

The Celtics sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just half a game back from the Indiana Pacers for fourth place, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round.

The positive spin on this is that if Hayward was a possibility for Saturday's game against the Hornets, there's a strong chance he'll at least be available for their game on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs.

While both are must-wins, if the Celtics have to be missing someone like Hayward in a game, they'd likely pick the Hornets over the Spurs. He should be back soon.