Hornets Forward Set to Make Return Today

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward plans to return on Saturday versus the Philadelphia 76ers, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

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

The one-time All-Star was officially listed as probable ahead of this afternoon's match up.

Hayward has missed 22 games due to an ankle injury that he suffered on February 7 against the Toronto Raptors. In 48 games so far this season, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

The Hornets are making a strong push to finish the regular season. They have won eight of their last 10 games and are currently in a three-way log-jam with the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte has five remaining games on their schedule, three of which are against playoff teams. After the Sixers on Saturday, the Hornets get the Miami Heat on Tuesday. They take on the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls in a back-to-back set on Thursday and Friday and end their regular season against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

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