Report: Hornets F Gordon Hayward hopeful to return Friday

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward is hopeful to return Friday after missing the past nine games with a fractured left shoulder, ESPN reported Thursday.

The Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Hayward will make a final decision after the team's shootaround, per the report.

The Butler product and former ninth overall draft pick in 2010 last played Nov. 23 but sustained the injury prior to that contest v