Here’s Why Gordon Hayward Isn’t On Celtics’ Sideline For Bucks Series

Boston Celtics fans probably expected Gordon Hayward to be on the sidelines during his team’s first-round playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Yet Hayward, who remains out with an injured ankle, won’t be on the bench cheering his teammates, NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin reported Tuesday. And whether he’ll return to the sideline at all during the playoffs is unclear.

But why?

“With Hayward recently beginning jogging, (Danny) Ainge said the team is sending him to Indianapolis for the next phase of the rehab process to work with a leading specialist in running mechanics,” Chin writes. “Both the Celtics and Hayward have worked with the specialist before.

“Ainge added that he thinks Hayward is progressing nicely.”

Well, there you have it.

It’s worth noting that the Celtics have yet to officially rule Hayward out for the season. Although, at this point, it appears virtually impossible that we’ll see him in game action before next season.