Celtics forward Gordon Hayward expects to play on opening night

BOSTON — Boston Celtics' forward Gordon Hayward expects to play on opening night after last year's gruesome season-ending injury.

"I'm basically at 100 percent," he said right before he put on his Celtics uniform to practice.

Hayward needed surgery to repair a leg injury he suffered on opening night last season.

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"It was the most difficult thing I've done," he said of his rehab. "To have to sit and watch. Not being with the team and just do rehab every day was extremely difficult for me."

Hayward said he "100 percent expects to be out there" on opening night.

"It's so much fun being able to play again, and play with my teammates," he said.

He added that he does not have any fears or anxiety about returning to the game.

As for the play that ended last season, Hayward added he has not seen the video and does not plan to. Instead, he is focused on moving past it and helping the Celtics win.

The Celtics kick off the season on October 16 against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden.

Cox Media Group