The Charlotte Hornets will continue to be without the services of star Gordon Hayward for their Tuesday play-in game against the Indiana Pacers, according to the team.
Hayward hasn't played since April 2 against the Pacers due to a foot injury. The initial timetable for the injury was at least four weeks, but we're now at the six-week mark after the injury. It's unclear what Hayward's status would be for a second play-in game or even the playoffs if the Hornets make it that far.
This was always the concern when Charlotte beat out Indiana and other suitors for Hayward in free agency. The Hornets paid a pretty penny to acquire Hayward from the Boston Celtics despite a number of injuries in recent years.
The 31-year-old was having an excellent season before he went down, averaging 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting an efficient 47.3% from the field and 41.5% from 3-point range. However, the injuries to Hayward and LaMelo Ball hurt Charlotte down the stretch of the season. The Hornets were at 25-23 after beating the Pacers on April 2, only to finish the campaign 33-39 and in the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference.
Ball has returned to the lineup from his injury, but the continued absence of Hayward will hurt Charlotte's chances in Indiana. The Pacers are a bit banged up themselves, though, so the Hornets still have a good opportunity to win and advance to another play-in game against the loser of the Washington Wizards-Boston Celtics game.
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