BOSTON — Sam Hauser left Monday’s Celtics game against the Detroit Pistons with a left ankle sprain. Hauser had played for 4 minutes, missing his sole three-point attempt, before asking out of the game. Shortly after he headed to the locker room, the Celtics announced he was questionable to return.
The Celtics forward has been an integral part of the rotation this season, averaging 6.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 22.3 minutes per game. The veteran sharpshooter has had a difficult year from beyond the arc, hitting just 34.2% of his three-point attempts. That’s down from 41.6% last season, and marks the first time in his career he’s shooting below 40% from three.
Hauser has yet to miss any time this season, but has previously dealt with ankle injuries.
If Hauser is to miss time, the Celtics will likely rely on heavier contributions from players like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, and Josh Minott. All four players have been in the rotation, but could see an increased opportunity with one player out of the mix. Scheierman has averaged 12 minutes per game and Gonzalez has averaged 11.6 minutes, while Walsh (21.5 minutes) and Minott (19.2 minutes) have both played heavier minutes.
This story will be updated as more information is available.
