LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.– Barring a setback in pregame warm-ups, theres substantial optimism within the Boston Celtics that forward Gordon Hayward will make a return to the lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Miami Heat on Saturday night, sources told ESPN.
Hayward has missed a month with a best ankle sprain, however has actually progressed in current days to the cusp of a return on Saturday with the Celtics tracking the Heat 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
The Celtics upgraded his status to doubtful for Game 3 on Friday.
Hayward has had an outstanding season for Boston– averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 helps– and his return provides some frantically required firepower from the Boston bench. Hayward has actually shot 38% on 3-pointers this season and 50% from the flooring.
Hayward, 30, suffered the ankle sprain in Game 1 of the first-round series versus Philadelphia on Aug. 17 and left the Disney Wide World of Sports school to rehab in the past recently returning.
