The Boston Celtics have upgraded veteran forward Gordon Hayward’s status for Game 2 of the team’s Eastern Conference Finals series against the Miami Heat, but don’t expect to see the Indiana native lacing them up come Thursday just yet.
While it wouldn’t be out of the question, his status has only changed from “Out” to “Doubtful,” which of course means that it is still unlikely that he’ll play, at least based on the information the Celtics were working with when they made that call.
While Boston has done better with Miami’s zone defense than some expected — in part because they used it less than might have been expected — they could also desperately use Hayward’s playmaking, scoring, defense and depth against a deep and canny Heat.
#NEBHInjuryReport for Game 2 vs @MiamiHEAT:
Javonte Green (right knee surgery) – DOUBTFUL
Gordon Hayward (right ankle sprain) – DOUBTFUL— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 16, 2020
So, while it is unlikely the Butler product will take the court come Thursday, it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see him planned to return in the next game of the series, with Game 3 schedule to take place this Saturday.
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