Boston’s Gordon Hayward downgraded to OUT for Game 2 vs Heat

Boston Celtics veteran forward Gordon Hayward has been downgraded from “Doubtful” to “Out” for Game 2 against the Miami Heat.

The Boston Celtics have officially ruled out veteran forward Gordon Hayward for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference finals series against the Miami Heat, to little surprise.

Hayward, who has been sideline for a little over a month with a grade three ankle sprain, was recently upgraded from “Out” to “Doubtful” for Game 2 vs. Miami, but without much expectation of suiting up on Thursday night.

While the Indiana native has been drawing closer to a return to action against the Heat in recent days, all signs coming from the organization point to a return later on in the series.

Hayward’s scoring, ball handling and general boost to the team’s depth will be a welcome addition to the Celtics as they seek to advance to the NBA Finals past a dangerous Miami outfit, and his mid-range game especially so against the Heat’s tendency to use zone defense.

While he won’t be playing tonight, a Hayward return isn’t likely far off — but if Game 2 is anything like it’s precursor, that return won’t come soon enough.

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