Gordon Hayward will return to lineup Monday vs. Cavaliers [UPDATE]

UPDATE #3: Hayward will not have a minutes restriction, but coach Brad Stevens said they will monitor Hayward on the court. Also, Hayward will start in place of Smart.

This essentially means Hayward may be on a short leash, but if everything goes according to plan, he should at least play around 20 minutes or so. SO again, at $3K I think he’s a top value play on DK. Take the free space and hope Hayward can get to around 20-25 DKFP.

UPDATE #2: It’s official. Hayward will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Cavaliers.

As you can see, Marcus Smart has been ruled out with an eye infection, so somebody will have to jump into the starting lineup for the Celtics. It could be Hayward, it may not be. Either way, Hayward is an appealing value play in DFS at $3,000 on DK. We also could see more Grant Williams and Semi Ojeleye off the bench with Smart out.

UPDATE: Hayward went through shootaround Monday morning and is on track to return to the lineup, per coach Brad Stevens.

At $3,000 on DraftKings, Hayward should be a trendy value option given he isn’t limited to under 15 minutes or so. Even if he plays 15 off the bench, this is a great matchup and perfect game for Stevens to get Hayward back in the groove of things. We’ll monitor for whether Hayward will be restricted and/or start/come off the bench.

The Boston Celtics may get forward Gordon Hayward back in the lineup for Monday’s game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden.

Hayward is listed as questionable after missing time due to a fractured hand. He has missed the past 13 games after fracturing the hand in a game vs. the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 9. Hayward participated in practice Sunday and coach Brad Stevens didn’t rule out the forward for Monday night’s game.

Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Boston Celtics SG/SF Gordon Hayward

Knowing Stevens, I imagine Hayward will come back with a minutes restriction and could come off the bench initially. Any minutes Hayward gets, though, will cut into playing time for Marcus Smart, Semi Ojeleye and Brad Wanamaker. Once Hayward is at full strength I imagine he’ll get back into the starting lineup in place of Smart.

The Celtics also could opt for smaller lineups instead of using Enes Kanter and Robert Williams. Hayward’s return is a nice boost for a Celtics team already playing well. If anyone chose to drop Hayward in season-long, scoop him up now. I’d hold onto Smart, but outside of him and the starters, there isn’t much fantasy basketball appeal on the rest of the roster.