2 min read • April 02, 2022
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The Hornets officially listed veteran swingman Gordon Hayward as probable for their Saturday bout in Philadelphia.
The 32-year-old has missed the last 22 games since suffering a left inversion ankle sprain on Feb. 7, an extended timeline for a normally minor classic basketball injury. Hayward had previously missed 6 games in late January with right foot soreness unrelated to the succeeding sprain.
After initially struggling without Hayward, the Hornets have righted the ship as of late, going 10-4 in March and moving into a tie for the No. 9 seed in the East with the Nets and Hawks.
Before his injury struggles, Hayward was one of Charlotte's best players, averaging 17 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on .471/.397/.846 shooting splits across 45 games. The Hornets posted a 26-19 record in those games.
His return will likely jeopardize the previously firm rotation roles for Jalen McDaniels and P.J. Washington, while Cody Martin will continue to provide support around the edges.
The Hornets, 40-37, close their regular season with a 5-game slate starting in Philly, then in Miami, at home vs the Magic, in Chicago, and against the Wizards.
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