Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward likely will play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night, ESPN reported.
The Celtics, down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, face a must-win situation against the Miami Heat.
Hayward, 30, sustained a Grade III sprain of his ankle on Aug. 17 while attempting to box out Joel Embiid during Boston’s 109-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series. He hasn’t played since.
He left the NBA bubble near Orlando for medical treatment and returned nearly two weeks ago to quarantine and prepare to return to play.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said the Celtics are optimistic that Hayward will play in Game 3 “barring a setback” in warmups.
Hayward averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season for Boston.
