Gordon Hayward has been ruled out for six weeks after undergoing surgery on his broken left hand.
The Boston Celtics have made a strong a start to the new season, holding the best record in the NBA going into Monday.
A large part of they really success had been down to Hayward’s return to All-Star level form.
The former Utah Jazz man had averaged 18.9 points per game shooting over 50 per cent from the floor as well as 7.1 rebounds.
It’s the kind of form many Celtics fans have been hoping to see from Hayward following his horrendous double ankle break two years ago.
The 29-year-old understandably looked tentative at times last season as he went through the process of trusting his body.
But he suffered another setback after breaking his left hand in the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the weekend.
Late in the second quarter, Hayward collided with LaMarcus Aldridge, with his left hand being caught in an awkward angle.
Boston announced on Monday that he had undergone successful surgery on the broken hand, with a return date set for just after Christmas.
“Gordon Hayward underwent successful surgery today to repair a fourth metacarpal fracture in his left hand,” the Celtics tweeted.
“The injury occurred during Saturday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.
“He is expected to return to play in approximately 6 weeks.”