Is Gordon Hayward playing tonight vs Heat? Celtics release ankle injury report for Game 2 of ECF

The Celtics’ forward, Gordon Hayward has been struggling with an ankle injury in the Bubble and Celtics have now released an injury report.

Gordon Hayward has been out of the game since August 17th, when he suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain. Since then he has made quite some progress.

Hayward re-entered the bubble in the latter part of the first week of September. He has been practicing in solo activities and now taking part in team exercises.

Also Read: “Gordon is making progress, expected to play this series says, coach Stevens”

Gordon Hayward has made steady progress and looked good in the practice session.

#NEBHInjuryReport Gordon Hayward went through a small group workout after practice today and “looked good,” according to Brad Stevens. Coach added that he’s not sure about an exact return date, but says, “He’s getting better.”

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 14, 2020

Is Gordon Hayward playing tonight vs Heat?

The Celtics have officially moved up Gordon Hayward to doubtful for Game 2.

The Celtics have listed Gordon Hayward as DOUBTFUL for Game 2 tomorrow….👀 pic.twitter.com/9fGyK8gt2R

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) September 16, 2020

This comes as a much-appreciated move for the Celtics. They fought hard in Game 1, but could not get across the line. The addition of Gordon Hayward might just do the job.

Also Read: “Magic Johnson calls Adebayo’s block the best defensive play in all NBA Playoff history”

How does Hayward fit in the lineup?

When Gordon Hayward returns to the active lineup, he will take his place as a starter and that sends Marcus Smart back to the bench.

Hayward returning means lesser scoring burden on the Tatum-Brown duo and more floor spacing for the Celtics. Apart from being a consistent scoring threat on the offensive side, he can also take the defensive assignments of the key Heat players and execute them properly.

By being listed as doubtful, we know that if he doesn’t play tonight, he will take the court in Game 3 and onwards for sure, and that sure is good news for all Celtics fans out there.