ORLANDO, Fla. _ The Boston Celtics were delivered a major blow in their opening-round series against the 76ers.
Gordon Hayward suffered a Grade III right ankle sprain in Monday night's Game 1 victory, the team announced Tuesday. The small forward is expected to miss four weeks.
Hayward injured his ankle in the fourth quarter and did not return. He exited the arena on crutches. He was spotted Tuesday morning walking on crutches with a boot on his right foot.
Hayward is a big loss for the Celtics, who hold a 1-0 series advantage. Game 2 is Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at The Field House on Walt Disney's campus.
He is part of the Celtics' balanced perimeter attack that includes Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown in the starting lineup. Hayward had 12 points and four steals in 34 minutes, 27 seconds on Monday.
He averaged 17.5 points while shooting 38.3% from long range during the regular season.
