The schedule for the Celtics‘ first-round matchup with the Nets increases the chances that injured center Robert Williams will be available before the series is over, writes Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston.
The series will open Sunday, with two off days following Game 1 and Game 2. Hartwell notes that Williams was given a four- to six-week prognosis when he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee on March 30. The reports on Williams’ progress have all been positive, Hartwell adds, and the four-week mark will be April 27, which is the night of Game 5.
Coach Ime Udoka gave another encouraging update on Williams after today’s practice, tweets Keith Smith of Spotrac. “Doing a little bit more every day. He’s looking good,” Udoka said. “We’re happy with the progress. He’s out on the court. Doing some shooting drills, some touch work. We’re still preparing for a series without him.”
There’s more from Boston:
- Nets guard Bruce Brown made headlines with a statement about the prospect of attacking the Celtics without Williams in the middle, but Udoka has confidence in Al Horford and Daniel Theis to protect the basket, per Brian Robb of MassLive. “We still have two high-level defenders back there, big guys with Daniel and Al, and we have layers to our defense,” Udoka said. “… Obviously we played quite a few games without him now and have done good enough beating some good teams.” Boston went 4-3 after Williams got hurt, but Robb points out that several starters were rested in two of those losses.
- Kyrie Irving has been a villain in Boston since he left the city as a free agent in 2019, but that animosity doesn’t extend to Celtics players, according to Souichi Terada of MassLive. Jayson Tatum said Irving was very helpful during his rookie season, adding that Irving has shared some regrets over what happened in Boston. “We’ve talked and there are some things that he probably told me he wished he would have done differently,” Tatum said. “But I think that’s a part of life. No one is perfect, you just got to move on from it as you get older.”
- Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston examines how Marcus Smart has thrived as a point guard after Udoka allowed him to play that role on a full-time basis for the first time in his career. Smart, who received a four-year extension during the offseason, has become an on-court leader and is in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Jayson has a good heat and Does the right thing. A Leader by Example. Hope he gets him a ring!
In addition to Kyrie’s behavior while he was a Celtic, let’s not forget how THIS maneuver further poisoned him in Boston”
link to youtube.com
What do Celtics feel about being underdogs in Vegas. Nets favored to win series. Celtics favored to win gm1.
I got Nets in gm1. This is a big statement gm for both teams. Should be a hard fought gm. Definitely the best matchup of 1st rd. I got Nets in 6. Drummond will be big in this series. With no Williams.
link to masslive.com
The regular season is only minimally important. Seeds mean very little. Like the NHL, get to the playoffs and don’t burn out your best players over seeding. The Bucks became the first team to win a title as a 3 seed since the 1994-95 Rockets. If Durant can stay healthy and Kyrie remains interested the Nets can win it all as a 7th seed. That said, I’m picking Memphis to win the West.
Certainly the Boston Celtics are much weaker without TimeLord & should be the underdog.
Weaker on both offense & defense. TL’s unequalled skills made the Celtics into a lob & dunk, kick-out team on offense. And on defense into a good rebounding, shot blocking & intimidating, switch everything, #1 team on defense.
Without TL it’s up to the Celtics offense to keep up with Brooklyn & that looks too high a hurdle.
So, yes, Game 1 should be a statement game to see if Coach Udoka can come up with a miracle game plan. I really hope he does as defending champ, wimpy Milwaukee tanked its last game to avoid the Nets. If the Celts somehow get past KD, Kyrie, Brown, Drummond, Curry, Dragic, Aldridge & the rest of the bought & paid for roster, the Celtics will have HOME COURT vs. the scared Bucks! Go Celtics!
Williams is not only the best offensive rebounder on the Cs but is the only good offensive rebounder on the Cs. It makes it more imperative that they make their 3pt shots.
Say what you will about Kyrie but he’s a GD killer when healthy on the court
He’s going to have to play like the best player on the planet for them to make the finals….. Thing is tho he can
Transition and pace will dictate this series, there’s a lot of things Bos can do to control these areas with some good game planning/coaching/hustle .
If it gets to 7 I like Brk, but my call is Bos in 6