Report: Celtics' Williams intends to return for Game 3 vs. Nets
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams plans to return from his meniscus tear in Saturday's Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets barring a late setback, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
If Williams returns for Game 3, he will reportedly only play limited minutes. However, if his return goes well, the Celtics will likely play him for significantly more time in Game 4 on Monday, Wojnarowski adds.
Williams suffered the injury on March 27 against the Minnesota Timberwolves and hasn't played since. Boston initially gave him a four-to-six-week recovery timetable.
The shorthanded Celtics closed out the regular season with four wins in their last seven contests without Williams, then managed two straight victories over Brooklyn at TD Garden to begin the playoffs.
Williams played a major role in Boston's league-best defense this season. The 24-year-old averaged 10.0 points on 73.6% shooting, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals in a career-high 29.6 minutes per game and 61 starts. Daniel Theis, Al Horford, and Grant Williams have helped fill the Celtics' frontcourt void in Williams' absence.
Boston looks to take a commanding 3-0 series lead in the best-of-seven series versus Brooklyn with a victory at Barclays Center on Saturday.