Celtics Practice Report: Gordon Hayward says they’ll be butterflies tomorrow night

The Boston Celtics held practice at the Auerbach Center on Monday afternoon with Opening Night just over 24 hours away. We heard from Brad Stevens, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford ahead of Tuesday night’s season opener.

Hayward hasn’t played a meaningful basketball game in close to a year, and he was very honest when asked what he’ll be feeling tomorrow night. The Celtics’ all-star forward said he’s excited, but also a “little bit anxious and a little bit nervous for it.” Hayward added that it’ll go away once he gets out there on the floor and gets his blood flowing.

With all of the focus on tomorrow night’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, Al Horford seemed to be looking at a bigger goal. “We’re not going to win a championship tomorrow. ... We have to make sure that we’re building the good habits and playing the right way.”

Marcus Smart noted that the team had a great week of practice, specifically Hayward, as he’s been dunking the ball off his ankle, according to the Celtics guard. Smart also shared his thoughts on Hayward’s quiet leadership, as well as their matchup with the Sixers.

Stevens has a starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game, but said he won’t share it until tomorrow night at TD Garden.

Check out everything from today’s practice here:

Brad Stevens:

Gordon Hayward:

Marcus Smart:

Al Horford: