Hayward 'a possibility' to play
Celtics forward may be in lineup Monday vs. Cavaliers
![Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is looking at possible return to the lineup Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. [File Photo/The Associated Press]](/gcdn/authoring/2019/12/08/NTEG/ghows-WT-993a3494-87a5-1a79-e053-0100007fb6dd-2f0c3a6d.jpeg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
BOSTON — The speedy recovery of Gordon Hayward from a fractured left hand could result in his return to the Celtics as soon as Monday night at TD Garden.
Hayward, who was injured during a Nov. 9 game against the San Antonio Spurs, told reporters after practice Sunday afternoon at the Auerbach Center that playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers “is a possibility.’’
The Celtics forward has missed just over four weeks since he was hurt in a collision with LaMarcus Aldridge and the original timetable had him being out for six weeks.
Hayward underwent surgery to have a plate and screws inserted in the hand, a move that was designed to strengthen the hand while speeding up recovery.
Hayward began shooting a couple of weeks ago with no problems and took part in a light practice here Sunday.
“We’ll see how I feel when I wake up and see what happens,’’ Hayward said. “I can’t do anything that’s going to hurt (it). I’m going to have to get it hit equally as hard, probably more than the last time because I have the metal in my hand now.
“It’s definitely something I’m still guarding and it’s going to be like that for a little while. It’s just natural. Part of that is just getting out there and playing. I have gotten it hit and it reacted normally.
“The bone is healed. That’s the important part. It’s probably stronger than my right hand because there’s a plate in there with some screws, so the bone is good.’’
The Celtics will be going for a 10-0 record at home when they face the Cavaliers (7:35 p.m., NBC Sports Boston, WROR-FM 105.7). They are 9-4 without Hayward to improve to 16-5.
If Hayward is not able to face the Cavaliers, his next opportunity to play would be in a homecoming game against the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday night.
The Celtics then have a nationally televised game against Al Horford and the Philadelphia 76ers in Boston on Thursday night.
Center Robert Williams, who did not practice due to a sore left hip, is listed as doubtful to play against the Cavaliers in the finale of a three-game homestand.