Gordon Hayward opts for surgery on fractured left hand, will miss six weeks

UPDATE: Hayward has undergone successful surgery according to a team release and is expected to miss about six weeks.

Gordon Hayward opted for surgery on a fractured fourth metacarpal in his left hand on Monday, according to a team source. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com was first to report the news on Monday.

The procedure will take place in New York City on Monday afternoon with the hope that the surgery will speed up the recovery timeline. One team source believes it could just be 4-6 weeks before Hayward returns, although a final timeline won’t become clear until the procedure is completed.

Hayward was in the midst of a stellar start of the season before suffering the injury during Saturday’s win over the Spurs, averaging 18.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in eight games this season while shooting 55.5% overall and 43.3% from 3-point range.

BSJ Analysis: According to BSJ’s medical expert Dr. Jessica Flynn, it is likely Hayward will have a plate inserted in his hand to give it extra strength and speed up the recovery process. If all goes well a four-week recovery timetable could be in play.

The Celtics will play 16 games over the next 30 days (8 home/8 away) while facing nine projected playoff opponents in his absence, including the Mavericks on Monday night at the Garden. Marcus Smart is the odds on favorite to start in Hayward’s absence but looks for Brad Wanamaker and Javonte Green to be the beneficiary of added minutes off the bench to soak up some of Hayward’s 32 minutes per game.

For more analysis on the impact of Hayward’s injury, click here.