Image Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Sam Hauser Injury Update: What Happened to Celtics Forward and How Long He Could Be Out

Image Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser exited Monday night’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons after appearing to tweak his ankle midway through the second quarter. With just under 10 minutes remaining before halftime, Hauser limped off the floor and headed straight to the locker room accompanied by a member of the training staff.

The exact moment of the injury was unclear, though Boston had attempted to substitute him earlier. A delay in getting a replacement to the scorer’s table forced Hauser to hobble through several possessions before finally being pulled.

Hauser has yet to miss a game this season, but the sight of him limping raised immediate concern. His durability has been a quiet strength for Boston, and any setback could alter that streak.

Sam Hauser just left the game with what looks like a left ankle injury pic.twitter.com/jCZMDoLB1U
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) December 16, 2025

Before leaving, Sam Hauser logged only 4 minutes and 20 seconds of action. He attempted one three‑point shot, which missed, marking an abbreviated night for the forward.

The injury came on the heels of one of Hauser’s roughest outings of the year. In Thursday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, he shot 0‑for‑10 from the field, including 0‑for‑9 from beyond the arc. That performance interrupted what had been a promising stretch. Over the 10 games leading into Milwaukee, Hauser was hitting 41.8 percent of his threes on 5.5 attempts per contest, signaling a turnaround from his slow start.

Sam Hauser’s Shooting Struggles Resurface After Brief Midseason Surge

Despite that surge, his season numbers remain below expectations. Sam Hauser is shooting just 34.2 percent from deep, a significant dip compared to previous campaigns. Last year, he endured a sluggish opening but ultimately finished at 41.6 percent from three‑point range, showing he can recover from early struggles.

Boston’s schedule offers a brief reprieve. The Celtics do not play again until Friday, when the Miami Heat visit TD Garden. That gap provides Hauser a window to recover, though his availability remains uncertain.

If Hauser is sidelined, Boston’s roster depth will be tested. The team has benefited from strong health throughout the season, a key factor in its success. Losing any contributor, even in a supporting role, poses challenges.

Fortunately, several forwards have stepped forward. Jordan Walsh has claimed the starting power forward position, while rookie Hugo Gonzalez has impressed defensively. Josh Minott has begun to find rhythm, and Baylor Scheierman has carved out a reliable 3‑and‑D role. Together, they provide options should Hauser miss time.