NBA Playoffs 2020: Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward (ankle) leaves NBA campus in Orlando during recovery

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After suffering a Grade 3 ankle sprain on Monday, Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has left the NBA's campus in Orlando, per head coach Brad Stevens.

Hayward sustained the injury in Game 1 of the Celtics' first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers and was ruled out for four weeks, meaning he would likely miss the entirety of Boston's Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup with the Toronto Raptors, which begins on Thursday, Aug. 27.

As previously reported, the Celtics had already anticipated Hayward's departure as he planned to leave the bubble in early September to be with his wife, who is expecting their fourth child.

Hayward spoke on the injury and his child's arrival last week, telling reporters, "I think it's two separate things but it's something I'm taking a look at. It's just very unfortunate of the timing of the whole deal, so I think I'm just trying to take it day by day, and we're looking at scheduling for the baby and all that stuff, so it's taking it day by day."

This past season, Hayward posted averages of 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 52 games. Prior to going down in Game 1, Hayward had 12 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists in 34 mintues of action.

Boston is back in action as it takes on Toronto in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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