Celtics' Gordon Hayward Expected to Miss Four Weeks With Ankle Sprain, Plans to Return to Bubble

Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is expected to miss four weeks after suffering a Grade 3 right ankle sprain in the Celtics' victory over the 76ers Monday night.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is expected to miss four weeks after suffering a Grade 3 right ankle sprain in Boston's 109–101 victory over the 76ers Monday night.

Coach Brad Stevens confirmed on Sunday that Hayward had returned home after suffering the injury. The Celtics are not planning for Hayward to be back at the bubble until "he is nearing a return to the court."

Hayward's injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the East first-round series when he was attempting to box out Sixers star Joel Embiid inside. After twisting his right foot, Hayward fell to the floor and was seen limping while being helped off the court. The 30-year-old finished the contest with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes played.

On Monday night, Stevens told reporters that Hayward had an ankle sprain but the team was waiting to hear more on his condition.

"Don't know the severity, but he's clearly in pain, and it looked like it had some swelling already," Stevens said. "That's my medical review."

On Tuesday, Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix spotted Hayward walking into Boston's meal room on crutches with a boot on his right foot.

Hayward has battled injuries during his tenure in Boston after suffering a terrible leg and ankle injury in his first Celtics game in 2017, which forced him to miss the rest of that season. This year, he has been instrumental for the team while averaging 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds and shooting 50% from the field.

Boston will look to sweep its first-round series against the 76ers on Sunday.