Gordon Hayward. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Celtics beat the Hawks Saturday for their fifth win in six tries, but this one came at a cost. Gordon Hayward left after a minute with a strained neck. He's in the league's concussion protocol, and coach Brad Stevens knew it didn't look good.
"Sent him home after halftime, talked to him after halftime, obviously pretty woozy from that hit," Stevens said. "You could see right away that it was quite a hit."
Don't anticipate seeing Hayward tonight against the Nuggets and, really, it's hard to say exactly when he'll play. Concussions are unpredictable. The vet could return Wednesday in Philadelphia, or be out until the playoffs. Who knows?
You have to feel for Hayward. He signed with Boston in 2017 with max salary expectations, and was lost for the season five minutes into his C's career.
This year, Hayward returned to high outside expectations, occasional tweaks, a lack of confidence, been moved to the bench, and now this. Every time comfort sets in, a setback.
The former All-Star's averaging 11 points. Hopefully the postseason gives him a fresh start.
WBZ NewsRadio's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports