The Boston Celtics have started the 2018 NBA season 0-2 and lost newly-signed guard Gordon Hayward to a season-ending ankle injury in the opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. What does this mean for the team’s season outlook?

Looking at this situation by the numbers, the injury proves to be a big hit to the team going forward. Hayward averaged 21.9 points per game last season according to ESPN, making him the second highest scorer on the team behind only guard Kyrie Irving.

Before the injury, Las Vegas oddsmakers had the Celtics’ chances of winning the NBA Finals at 10-1; however, after the loss of Hayward the odds instantly skyrocketed to 20-1 according to Sporting News.

“I don’t see Boston being a contender after losing Hayward” said Solomon Ghosh, BHS Senior.

While the Celtics lose a significant starter after this injury, they still have a decent chance to make the playoffs as they are in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. According to FiveThirtyEight, nearly a quarter of the participants on the Eastern Conference All-Star team last season have moved over to the Western Conference; the Western Conference has also won 17 of the last 18 matchups with the Eastern Conference.

“Being in a weaker conference, the Celtics could at least make the playoffs.” said Daniel Burdisso, BHS Senior.

Boston fans have to be gutted by the injury news, but the 82-game long NBA season has just begun; and the Celtics will have the rest of the season to make adjustments. With all this time left in the season, the Celtics should not be counted out just yet.