Boston Celtics forward is available to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight (7:30 ET, League Pass), the team announced prior to the game.
#NEBHInjuryReport Update:
Gordon Hayward – AVAILABLE
Marcus Smart (left eye infection) – OUTRomeo Langford and Robert Williams remain OUT.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 9, 2019
Hayward went through shootaround on Monday with the intention of him playing against the Cavs. Hayward said Sunday afternoon he could return sooner than previously expected from a broken left hand that has sidelined him since Nov. 9.
Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Yahoo Sports that his client planned to have his hand tested before tipoff on Monday.
“He has worked unbelievably hard to keep in great shape and do everything humanly possible to get back this early,” Bartelstein told Yahoo Sports of Hayward. “He’s not 100 percent and probably won’t be for a few weeks, but he wants to play in the worst way.”
Stevens also ruled out Marcus Smart (eye infection) and Robert Williams (sore left hip) for Monday’s game.
#NEBHInjuryReport Brad Stevens says Marcus Smart (eye infection) may not play tonight, and Rob Williams (sore left hip) will not play tonight.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 9, 2019
Hayward was originally expected to be out until late December as he recovered from surgery to his left hand, but has noticed steady improvement over the last week and is eager to get back on the court.
“I can’t do anything that’s going to hurt it,” Hayward said. “I’m going to have to get hit equally as hard, probably harder than last time because I have the metal in my hand now.
At today's practice Gordon Hayward talked about his hand and the possibility of returning to action at TD Garden tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/SD50wZnyPy
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 8, 2019
The Celtics, currently second in the East, bring a three-game winning streak into Monday’s matchup. Before the injury, Hayward was averaging 18.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists through the first eight games.