The NBA injuries keep coming on the first day of the regular season. Many teams are preparing to take the court, but some teams might be missing some key players to start off the season. The Bulls are getting the bad news that their sharpshooting forward Nikola Mirotic, will miss some time due to Injury. The Celtics lose a star as well, as Gordon Hayward suffers a gruesome leg injury only five minutes into his debut with the Boston Celtics. Both players are expected to miss a significant amount of time, with Hayward expecting to miss the rest of the season.
Nikola Mirotic
Nikola Mirotic was injured during a practice altercation with teammate Bobby Portis. Both players were trash talking during practice and it was getting more intense as practice went on. It eventually led to a physical encounter, when Mirotic charged towards Portis twice. Portis then punched Mirotic in the face and he dropped to the ground. He lay there for several minutes before getting up. He was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with fractures to his upper jaw and a concussion. Surgery is likely and he is ruled out indefinitely. The Bulls are looking towards disciplinary actions.
Mirotic was a vital part of the Bulls offense last season, averaging 10 points and 5 boards.
He signed a two-year deal in the offseason to stay in Chicago. He was the projected starter for the Bulls but was battling with Portis for the starting power forward spot.
Gordon Hayward
Celtics forward Gordon Hayward was injured in his game against the Cavaliers. Hayward was going up for an alley-oop attempt and landed awkwardly on his leg, which caused his ankle to pop out of place.
Many players and fans saw the injury in real time and were shell-shocked. Both the Celtics and Cav medical staff attended to Hayward on the floor. He was carried out on a stretcher to the locker room and he is currently being evaluated. He was officially diagnosed with a fractured ankle. The medical staffs were able to reset Hayward's foot on the floor, which will be critical in the healing process.
Hayward received many prayers on Twitter and other social media sites.
Injuries are an unavoidable thing in the NBA and it's unfortunate to see two key players go down with injuries. Hopefully, they can have a speedy recovery and be able to get back to the floor soon. The season must go on, but now these teams must deal with the impact of their player's injuries.
#NEBHInjuryReport: After a medical evaluation by Celtics/Cavs medical personnel Gordon Hayward has been diagnosed w/ a fractured left ankle.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 18, 2017
NBA players and other athletes show support after Gordon Hayward’s horrific injury https://t.co/6etAuFKe92 pic.twitter.com/L0AOaGIG8L
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 18, 2017