UPDATE (7:55 p.m. ET): Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward will be “available” for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat on Saturday, per the team.
The Celtics made an official announcement on their injury report after reports surfaced that Hayward would be “active.”
Javonte Green will also be available, per the team.
Hayward will come off the bench, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
ORIGINAL STORY: It seems chances that Gordon Hayward will play for the Boston Celtics on Saturday against the Miami Heat continue to increase.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday afternoon that “barring a setback in pregame warm-ups,” there is “significant optimism” the Celtics forward will return to the lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat.
Hayward, who’s been recovering from a Grade III ankle sprain, was upgraded to questionable Friday. Hayward missed a month with the right ankle injury, which he sustained Aug. 17 during the C’s first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Thumbnail photo via Ashley Landis/ USA TODAY Sports Images
