Hayward out indefinitely with sprained ankle ligaments

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward will be out indefinitely after an MRI revealed sprained ligaments in his left ankle, the team announced.

Hayward exited in the first quarter of Charlotte's game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday and did not return. He tallied three points and one rebound in six minutes before departing.

The injury is to the same ankle he severely dislocated in October 2017. He sustained that injury in his first game as a member of the Boston Celtics and was forced to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Hayward, 31, is in the midst of another strong season for Charlotte, averaging 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 48 games.