/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65965726/1124498272.jpg.0.jpg)
The Boston Celtics just got some encouraging injury updates just in time for the holiday.
The C’s have been shorthanded as of late due to a plethora of injures, but will have a little more at their disposal when they face the Toronto Raptors on Christmas Day (noon EST) as Brad Stevens said Gordon Hayward is probable to play in the matchup. Hayward, who is averaging 17.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, missed the last three games due to a sore left foot, something Hayward admitted has bothered him throughout his injury-riddled season. According to the Athletic’s Jay King, Hayward has received three cortisone shots in his foot and that Hayward believes the nerve pain in his foot stems from his gruesome leg injury two seasons ago.
Gordon Hayward getting up shots after practice. Looks like he’s breaking in some Christmas kicks. pic.twitter.com/wXb7zfL55R
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) December 24, 2019
However, the C’s won’t have their full roster available as Marcus Smart has been ruled out against the Raptors. Smart have dealt with a gnarly eye infection that has caused him to miss most of December and six games in-all.
Gordon Hayward is probable to play tomorrow for the Boston Celtics.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 24, 2019
Marcus Smart is out.
Tremont Waters is up from NBAGL and will active. Tacko Fall will be inactive. This is due to Raptors playing small lineups right now due to their own injuries.
But Smart did take part in some of the Celtics’ Christmas Eve practice according to our very own Keith Smith and the goal for Smart is to return to action before the new year. Boston has three games left in December after Christmas so there are opportunities for Smart to get back on the floor in 2019.
Smart did take part in some of practice today. He's moving in the right direction to return soon.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 24, 2019
The Celtics continued their never-ending roster moves by calling up guard Tremont Waters from the G-League. In a corresponding move, Tacko Fall will be inactive versus Toronto.