Gordon Hayward Exits Pacers Game Early With Leg Injury

The Oklahoma City Thunder saw Gordon Hayward exit their game against the Pacers on Friday early with a leg injury that could be a lingering issue from a previous ailment.

Apr 5, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles the ball / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Hayward was thrust into the starting lineup for the second time this season on Friday with both starts coming against his hometown Pacers. However, he left the game after just 13 minutes of action not to return against with what the Oklahoma City Thunder described as "lower leg soreness."

The Thunder, who are already fighting an uphill battle without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is back home in Oklahoma City and Jalen Williams, had to finish the game even more shorthanded without Hayward.

While we have no official timetable for Hayward's return, there is some concern over the nature of this leg injury. At the end of the December Hayward suffered a calf strain with the Hornets. That held the NBA veteran out from Dec. 26 through Feb. 21st.

After seven weeks on the shelf, it has been hard for Hayward to assimilate to his new team. Playing as a role player for the first time the former All-Star has struggled to know when to pick his spot offensively.

With the 13-year veteran still not meshing with the Thunder, if he has to miss any amount of time in the next five games, the Thunder are put behind the eight-ball ahead of the playoffs. As Mark Daigneault tries to craft a postseason rotation, is there enough confidence in Hayward to put him out there if he does not show more promise down the stretch of this season.

In this game, Hayward has some of his more aggressive offensive drives off the catch. He looked the part back at home in Indiana, but it was short-lived. The 34-year-old is averaging 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists as a member of the Thunder this season.

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