Despite the graphic nature of Boston forward Gordon Hayward's injury on Tuesday night, the Celtics are expecting "a full recovery," as coach Brad Stevens said Wednesday night.
Hayward suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle on an alley-oop attempt about halfway through the first quarter of his Celtics debut.
He will have surgery Wednesday night, according to a person familiar with the procedure. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the situation.
MORE:
► Gordon Hayward's injury 'a detour,' his father says: "God will take care of this"
► Paul George on Gordon Hayward injury: 'It's always going to be a part of his story'
► Gordon Hayward, Boston Celtics get nightmarish start to NBA season
"He's down," Stevens told reporters on Wednesday. "Obviously there's a physical pain to it but I think there's also doubled by the emotional pain of he put a lot of effort into trying to start this career out well in Boston. But this is a setback. We're expecting a full recovery. We know there are going to be a lot of tough days ahead on that recovery. But at the same time, hopefully, he'll improve day-to-day. But it's been tough."
Stevens also wouldn't speculate on whether Hayward's injury would be season-ending.
The Celtics dropped their season opener to the Cavs on Tuesday night and hosted the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in their season opener.
Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt
