Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has missed several games through the early stages of this season due to a broken left hand. However, the former Butler Bulldog has recovered, and he's expected to be available for Monday night's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Teammates, including Kemba Walker, are excited for the possibility of Hayward's return to the lineup.

“I'm excited,” Walker said, via Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. “I'm ecstatic and happy for him. He was playing really well before he got hurt and, of course, we need him. He is one of our best players.”

The fact that Hayward is well enough to play again is great news for the Celtics, who are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 16-5 overall record. He went through Sunday's practice session, as well as Monday's shoot-around.

“The last couple of days have been really good,” Hayward said on Sunday, via ESPN. “Tomorrow's a possibility.”

In his eight appearances with the Celtics this season, Hayward has racked up averages of 18.9 points on 55.5 percent shooting from the field (43.3 percent from beyond the arc), 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and just under one steal (0.8) in 31.1 minutes per outing.

The Celtics have won five of their last six games. Several of their victories have come in impressive fashion, including 19 and 13-point wins over the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets. The Cavs, on the other hand, have lost 12 of their last 13 outings, including an embarrassing 47-point setback against the Sixers on Saturday.

Monday night's matchup between the Celtics and Cavs is scheduled to tip inside TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET.