Aron Baynes OUT vs Orlando Magic on Monday

The Boston Celtics announced that Aron Baynes is OUT with a strained right hamstring for Monday’s matchup with the Orlando Magic.

Baynes suffered the injury in the second quarter of Saturday’s victory over the New York Knicks. He did not return to the game after halftime.

After starting 67 times in the 2017-18 regular season, Baynes drew his first opening assignment of the 2018-19 season, as Gordon Hayward was held out with ankle soreness. Overall, Baynes started 67 of his 81 regular season games and 12 of 19 playoff games for Boston.

Against veteran center Nikola Vucevic, who is coming off a triple-double in a loss to the 76ers on Saturday, Boston will turn to center by committee. The Celtics will open the game with Al Horford, but Baynes’ absence will open up additional opportunities for Daniel Theis, Guerschon Yabusele and potentially rookie big man Robert Williams III, the latter of whom who is yet to make his NBA debut. Orlando will also give significant minutes to their own rookie center Mohamed Bamba against Boston.

Baynes is averaging 7.7 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes per game to open the year.