Gordon Hayward probable, Marcus Smart out vs. Toronto Raptors on Christmas

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.

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.

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.

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.