TERRIBLE: Boston Celtics Star Out of Play for Four Weeks Due to Injury

Last night, the Boston Celtics won Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. But despite the victory, they had one big negative out of the game. With just three minutes left for the game, Gordon Hayward landed awkwardly and injured his right ankle. Hayward already had a history of ankle injuries on his other leg.

Shams Charania from The Atheltic reported that Hayward will now miss four weeks due to Grade 3 right ankle sprain. With the tentative date for the Conference Finals being on September 15, Hayward will miss two rounds of the playoffs at least.

Can the Boston Celtics manage without Hayward?

An injury-prone star, Hayward had just found his groove this season after the major injury two seasons ago. He had a slow start to his life in Boston, but this season he has looked like vintage Jazz Hayward at times. He was averaging a career-best in FG, shooting 50% for the season, and was averaging 17.5 points.

Last season, he only started 18 out of the 72 games he played. But this season he had asserted himself as a valuable player to the Celtics starting all 52 regular-season games he had played. Even in the bubble, he was averaging over 18 points per game and was vital to the Celtics offense. With no proper replacement for him, Boston will certainly miss his contribution on the offensive end.

Hayward’s injury will open up a starting spot for Marcus Smart. He will pair up with Kemba Walker as the guards. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will start as the forwards and Daniel Theis will start at the center spot.

Hayward’s loss will be felt tomorrow when the Celtics play the 76ers in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs. Despite missing Ben Simmons, the 76ers were able to put up a fight. Hayward’s injury ideally wouldn’t prevent the Celtics from winning but they will have to step up as a team to ensure they proceed to the next round.