Subscribe
Follow Us
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka provided an update to the likelihood of big man Robert Williams returning from injury in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets.
Via CelticsBlog's Keith Smith:
“He's progressing nicely, coming along. But we're prepared to play a series without him. If we get a surprise and he's back early, that would be nice. But we're prepared to play this series without him.”
This doesn't come as much of a surprise, as Williams suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee just over two weeks ago. As a result, he went through surgery and his initial timetable was 4-6 weeks. Despite this, Celtics fans have to be optimistic, as he wasn't completely ruled out for the series.
Williams' presence will be sorely missed in the opening round of the playoffs against the talented Nets squad. The Celtics center has evolved into one of the league's premier rim protectors this season, averaging 2.2 blocks along with 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
His defense would've been huge in slowing down Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant from getting to the rim. In the meantime, the Celtics will have to rely on Al Horford and Daniel Theis to burden the frontcourt load. It's a tall task for the Celtics, although they do possess home-court advantage.
If Boston does advance, a return for Williams seems much more likely. They would face the winner of the Bucks-Bulls series. In that scenario, Williams would be crucial in trying to slow down reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Until then, Celtics fans will have to hope for a Williams return to the lineup this season.
