Gordon Hayward exited Saturday’s game after his brief appearance was cut short with what the Boston Celtics diagnosed as a strained neck. He suffered the injury on the defensive end when his face collided with John Collins’ left shoulder during the Celtics’ 129-120 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Given the nature of the injury, there was potential it was more than a strained neck, which has proven true.
The Celtics announced on Sunday the forward did enter the NBA Concussion Protocol and is now doubtful for Boston’s matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
Additionally, the Celtics have ruled Al Horford as probable against Denver with left knee soreness, while Robert Williams is questionable due to illness.
Horford logged just over 28 minutes against his old team on Saturday, despite his knee bothering him in the second half, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.
Horford is scheduled to miss three or four more games before the regular season’s end. Monday’s could end up being one of them.
