The Boston Celtics will be without three key players in their road matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday: Gordon Hayward (concussion), Aron Baynes (left ankle sprain), and Al Horford (left knee soreness).
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs Charlotte:
Aron Baynes (left ankle sprain) – OUT
Gordon Hayward (NBA Concussion Protocol) – OUT
Al Horford (left knee soreness) – OUT— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 22, 2019
This will be the third straight game Boston will have to go without Hayward, who’s remains in concussion protocol following a collision with Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins last Saturday. Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said Hayward has improved as of late.
Stevens on Hayward (concussion protocol): "I don't know if he's officially been ruled out (Saturday v Charlotte), but it's likely that he's out. He felt a lot better the last couple of days, has gone through every progression OK, so we'll see if he's available Sunday."
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) March 22, 2019
As for Baynes, who left Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers after falling awkwardly on his foot while attempting to block a shot in the paint, Stevens said the results from the center’s MRI on Thursday “came back more positive” than anticipated.
Stevens on Baynes (ankle): "He had an MRI [Thursday] that actually came back more positive… I've been told, pending the results of it, he's not an automatic out on Sunday (v San Antonio). I'd say he's unlikely, but he's not automatically out."
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) March 22, 2019
Horford has been ruled out of Saturday’s game as well due to left knee soreness. The center knocked knees with Joel Embiid toward the end of the Celtics’ 118-115 loss to the Sixers on Wednesday, and appeared to be in pain following the play.
Stevens said it is possible all three players could return to the court Sunday for the Celtics’ tilt against the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden.
