Photo: Chris Carlson, Associated Press

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward says he will be available to play for the team’s opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 23.

“I’ve just got to kind of play through it,” said Hayward. “There is no risk to further damage by playing. So it’s kind of a pain tolerance type deal.”

The 30-year-old suffered an avulsion fracture of the fifth finger on his right hand and was labeled as day-to-day.

It was previously thought that Hayward would miss the start of the season, but he was able to fully practice on Dec. 21.

It’s believed that the Hornets will start Devonte’ Graham, Terry Rozier, Hayward, PJ Washington and Cody Zeller on opening night.