Robert Williams Returning From Bone Bruise For Game 7
2 min read • May 15, 2022
The Celtics will finally have center Robert Williams III back for the contentious Game 7 matchup against the Bucks.
The Celtics have played the last three games without their defensive anchor, who suffered a bone bruise on his surgically-repaired left knee in Game 3.
Williams will likely come off the bench for the Celtics an will have an SIC health score of 74.
The 24-year-old could see a spot start, but will likely be limited to between 20 and 24 minutes, as he has for most of the postseason coming back from a March meniscus repair.
Williams will suffer from a lack of explosiveness on both ends of the floor and will be bounded by limited mobility on the defensive end.
Unlike Ja Morant's bone bruise, which appeared to be caused by internal contact between his leg bones due to a hyperextension, Williams' bruise was caused by contact from Giannis Antetokounmpo's knee.
External bruising is quicker to heal, as it hinges on reducing swelling and tolerating pain.
He would just now be crossing the finish line of his recovery from the surgery he underwent six weeks ago, as he returned exceptionally early in his anticipated timeline.
Williams III is averaging 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 23.7 minutes this series.
He was expected to be an integral piece of the defensive gameplan to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo, and in his absence, veteran Al Horford has enthusiastically taken that challenge.
Expect Horford to continue as Antetokounmpo's primary defender, with Williams impacting shots from the back end.
