The forward was involved in a collision during Saturday afternoon's win over the Atlanta Hawks and is listed as doubtful to play against the Denver Nuggets Monday night.
Gordon Hayward has entered the NBA’s concussion protocol after being involved in a first-quarter collision on Saturday afternoon
The Celtics have listed Hayward as doubtful for Monday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets at the TD Garden.
Hayward, who had just entered the game against the Atlanta Hawks, was chasing guard Trae Young when he ran face-first into the shoulder of John Collins, who was stationary and setting a screen.
It was immediately obvious that Hayward was shaken up and his head snapped back, and he was taken to the locker room with what the Celtics originally termed as a “strained neck.’’
Coach Brad Stevens said that Hayward went home after halftime and was “pretty woozy’’ from the hit.
Now that he is in the concussion protocol, which the league began eight years ago, Hayward has to remain free of any symptoms while going through several levels of testing over a period of time.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks took an elbow to the head in a game against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 27, went into the concussion protocol and missed only one game, returning Nov. 1.
Hayward, who appeared in only one game in his first year with the Celtics last season due to a gruesome ankle injury, has missed six games this season, including one for the birth of his daughter.
The Celtics also listed Al Horford as probable to face the Nuggets. Horford sat out a portion of the second half against the Hawks due to left knee soreness, but he returned in the fourth quarter and helped the Celtics get past Atlanta.
Stevens said that Horford will be given three or four games off down the stretch to rest his knee.
Rookie Robert Williams (illness) is listed as questionable after being sent to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA G League earlier on Sunday.
The Celtics will end a three-game homestand by facing the Nuggets, who are second in the Western Conference at 46-22 and are averaging 112 points. Jamal Murray scored 48 points against the Celtics in a 115-107 Nuggets’ win in Denver on Nov. 5.