Hayward available for season opener vs. Cavs

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward will be available for the club's season-opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, the team announced Tuesday.

Hayward was listed as day-to-day after suffering a finger fracture during the Hornets' second preseason contest.

"I've just got to kind of play through it. There is no risk to further damage by playing. So it's kind of a pain tolerance type deal," Hayward told reporters Tuesday, according to Rod Boone of The Hive Vibes.

Charlotte inked Hayward to a four-year, $120-million contract this offseason. He spent the previous three campaigns with the Boston Celtics.

The Butler product averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 boards, and 4.1 assists over 52 appearances in 2019-20.