Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has left the NBA campus and returned home, as he deals with his Grade 3 right ankle sprain.
Head coach Brad Stevens said the plan is for Hayward to return to the “bubble” when he is nearing a return to the court.
Hayward suffered the ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
He is expected to miss at least four weeks, which could put him out of the next round if the Celtics win the series against the 76ers.
Hayward’s wife is also pregnant and back in July, he said he would leave the “bubble” for the birth of his fourth child (and first boy).
Not only will he be able to rehab the injury at home, but also spend more time with his family, as his wife is expected to give birth in September.
Without Hayward going forward, the Celtics will lean heavily on Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart.
