Gordon Hayward can't seem to catch a break.
The Celtics forward left Saturday's game against the Hawks during the first quarter with a neck sprain just a minute after he checked in, the team announced.
Hayward was injured after running into a screen set by Hawks forward John Collins with the score tied, 27-27. Hayward made contact with Collins' shoulder and was visibly shaken up. He went to the locker room for further evaluation and did not return to the court.
Hayward is OUT for the rest of the game vs the Hawks (strained neck) due to this play (@AAANe_MAnews) #AAANortheast pic.twitter.com/BbNEXXUjn0
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 16, 2019
It's not clear the severity of Hayward's injury, but the 28-year-old forward's career has been riddled with injuries. He fractured his ankle in the Celtics' first game in 2017-18, which forced him to miss the rest of the year. He has stayed healthy this season, appearing in 64 of Boston's 70 games, though he missed some time with ankle issues.
Hayward, 28, has averaged 11 points with 4.3 rebounds this season while shooting 44.8 percent from the field.
