Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward is set to return to the lineup vs. the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
Hayward has missed 22 games this season after suffering an ankle injury in Toronto on February 7.
But ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was told that Hayward plans to play this weekend.
Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward — upgraded to probable — indeed plans to make his return to the lineup vs. Philadelphia on Saturday, sources tell ESPN. Hayward's missed 22 games with an ankle injury and returns to a team that's won 8 of 10 and moved into tie for 8th.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 1, 2022
Hayward rejoins a team that is playing some of its best basketball of the season with just under two weeks until the playoffs begin. The Hornets have won eight of their last 10 games, and are in a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference with the Brooklyn Nets.
Hayward has had a tough time staying on the court in recent years. He’s only played in 70 or more games once since the 2017-18 season. However, the 32-year-old is still a productive player when healthy.
In 48 games this season, he has averaged 16.1 points per game and is shooting 46 percent from the field.
Photo: Dec 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
