The Boston Celtics have been forced to play the greater portion of a month without Robert Williams. Their starting center suffered a torn meniscus on March 27, and has been out of commission and recovering ever since.

Fortunately, the Celtics have been able to hold their own in their first series of the playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets without Williams. They are 2-0 heading into Game 3, and recently got some great news regarding Williams' return to the court.

The 24-year-old is “close” to returning for Boston, and could make his 2022 playoff debut in either Game 3 or Game 4.

NBA insider Shams Charania tweeted the news Friday afternoon.

This would be a huge boost for the Celtics, a team already on a great run in the postseason. Having Williams on the court could be the final dagger that finishes off the Nets' playoff run.

However, the Celtics aren't the only ones in the series expecting reinforcements. Ben Simmons plans on making his season debut and Brooklyn debut in Game 4. If you thought a month without playing basketball was a long time for Williams, imagine nearly a year. Simmons hasn't played in an NBA game since June of 2021.

If Simmons is able to spark some momentum for the Nets in Game 4, he could be their only chance to make a comeback in the series. However, with Williams back in the mix for Boston, a Brooklyn run is highly unlikely.