Robert Williams
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in Boston.
TORONTO — The Celtics got bad news in the form of two separate injuries to two starters in Saturday’s game against the Raptors. And that comes with Jayson Tatum already out because of left wrist soreness.
Robert Williams III was ruled out at halftime for the rest the game because of left knee hyperextension. Marcus Smart was also ruled out because of a right ankle sprain he suffered late in the first half against the Raptors. That’s a tough blow for the Celtics as they open up a three-game road trip, starting with Toronto.
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Williams was a somewhat surprising scratch, but he did appear to bang knees on a play in the first quarter. The big man stayed down for a few moments before eventually getting back up. However, Williams went back to the locker room midway through the second quarter with a trainer as the knee continued to bother him.
Williams had a nice start to Saturday’s game in his 15 minutes, putting up two points, four rebounds and four assists. But Williams subbed out with 5:50 left in the second quarter.
Of note, the left knee is the same one that Williams got surgery on right before training camp. He had an arthroscopic procedure to remove loose bodies and address swelling in his left knee, which kept him out for most of the first half of the season. That’ll be something the Celtics will continue to monitor for Williams.
Williams played in his 15th game of the season Saturday as he continued to make his way back from that knee surgery. While the C’s eased him into more minutes, he was healthy enough to start the last six games that he was available, including Saturday’s game. How Williams responds to the hyperextension will be a key factor going forward as the big man is a crucial piece for Boston’s playoff hopes.
