The Charlotte Hornets have secured a spot in the play-in tournament but are looking to make their situation more favorable. With a matchup against the Chicago Bulls on deck, they are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. They could improve to the eighth spot but will have to win out the rest of their games. Unfortunately for the Hornets, the status of one of their key players is uncertain. With big implications up for grabs, the question must be asked: Is Gordon Hayward playing tonight?

Is Gordon Hayward playing vs. Bulls

A foot injury forced him to miss a big chunk of the season. Over a 31-game stretch from the end of January to the end of March, Hayward played in just three games. The 32-year-old missed Charlotte's last game against the Orlando magic and will also be missing tonight's game against DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and the Bulls.

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Hayward reappeared in the lineup last weekend, contributing just five points in 16 minutes off the bench. In 49 games this season, he is averaging 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 45.9 percent from the field.

LaMelo Ball is confident in his squad no matter what but the Hornets should still look to improve to the eighth seed. If they end up there, they only have to win one away game to make the playoffs. If they lose, they get to host the next game and can clinch their berth with a win. The team in the 10th spot would have to win two away games to clinch the final playoff spot.