What does Gordon Hayward's severe ankle sprain mean to the Boston Celtics' chances of a deep run in the 2020 NBA playoffs?
After Hayward rolled his ankle late in Monday's Game 1 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics announced Tuesday that he's been diagnosed with a Grade 3 ankle sprain -- the most severe category of sprains -- and indicated he's expected to miss the next four weeks.
That timetable would sideline Hayward the remainder of Boston's opening series against the 76ers, plus in all likelihood the entirety of the Eastern Conference semifinals should the Celtics advance.
Without Hayward, can Boston advance far enough into the playoffs to allow him to return? Let's take a look.