Woj: Gordon Hayward expected to play in Game 3

Barring a setback in pregame warmups, there’s significant optimism within the Celtics that forward Gordon Hayward (right ankle sprain) will be active to play in Game 3 vs. Miami tonight, sources tell ESPN. After missing a month, Hayward offers a sizable boost for Boston’s bench.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 19, 2020

Rusty or not, the Celtics desperately need an offensive punch off the bench. Preferably a guy who can shoot from deep to neutralize the Heat's pesky zone defense. Enter one Gordon Hayward. My hope is that Hayward uses tonight to get his sea legs back, Celtics get the win and then Hayward has a few days to see how the ankle feels and get prepared for full time minutes in Game 4. Note that the Celtics don't necessarliy need an All-Star version of Hayward right now. They simply need a solid bench player.