Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward is likely to miss the entire season after dislocating his ankle and fracturing the tibia in his left leg, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Wojnarowski based his report on the pronouncement by Hayward’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, who said his client was expected to miss the entire season after undergoing surgery Wednesday. Bartelstein said Hayward’s surgery was a success, expecting his client to make a full recovery and regain his All-Star form. Hayward suffered the injury six minutes into his regular-season debut with the Celtics when he landed awkwardly after a collision with forward Jae Crowder.
According to Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, the team is hoping that Hayward will make a full recovery. Stevens also announced that Marcus Smart will replace Hayward in the Celtics’ starting lineup. Before their home game against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden, the Celtics aired a video message by Hayward to the fans from his hospital bed. In his message, Hayward said he will be all right.
Celtics lose home opener
Giannis Antetokounmpo poured 16 of his 37 points in the fourth period to lead the Bucks to a 108-100 win over the Celtics. Antetokounmpo’s explosion in the fourth sparked a 17-4 run that helped the Bucks pull away for good. Antetokounmpo grabbed 13 points, issued three assists and had three steals for the Bucks (1-0).
Malcolm Brogdon added 19 points, Matthew Dellavedova and Khris Middleton chipped in 15 points each, and Greg Monroe had 10 points. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 18 points; Kyrie Irving added 17 points while Terry Rozier had 15 points, seven boards, and six assists as the Celtics slipped to 0-2. Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum tallied eight points and nine rebounds.
Nets’ Jeremy Lin suffers knee injury
Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin suffered an apparent knee injury in their 140-131 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Lin sustain the injury when he fell awkwardly after driving to the basket. Wojnarowski said Lin’s knee will be evaluated Thursday, but the team already has tremendous concern about his situation.
Lin finished with 18 points and four assists in 25 minutes of play. Lin is in his second season with the Nets after stints with the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, Lin averaged 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 36 games. On his Twitter account, Lin reassured fans about his situation.
