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Gordon Hayward, who was previously questionable after twisting his right ankle, has been ruled out of tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
#NEBHInjuryReport update: Gordon Hayward has been downgraded to OUT. https://t.co/8EfFiePqyV
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 21, 2019
Thankfully, Hayward’s (non surgery) ankle injury appears to be not severe to the point of him being ruled out so close to game time. Also thankfully, this:
“It was definitely frustrating,” Hayward says of the timing of his injury, “because I felt like I had a really good break, got a lot of good work in. But I don’t think it’ll be that big of a deal. I’ll be alright.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 21, 2019
With Hayward out, R.J. Hunter will be active for the first time since the Celtics signed him to a two-way contract.
Since Boston will be taking on Giannis Antetokoumpo and the first-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, expect Giannis-slower-downer Semi Ojeleye to get some time as well. Although no one can truly “stop” Antetokoumpo, Ojeleye does as good a job as anyone in making him at least slightly uncomfortable. It takes one thick, jacked frame to stop another, after all.
Nikola Mirotic will make his debut for the Milwaukee Bucks tonight after being traded by New Orleans at the deadline two weeks ago.
Boston tips off shortly against Milwaukee at 8PM EST on TNT.