Celtics center Robert Williams will miss Friday’s Game 6 against the Bucks due to pain from the bone bruise in his left knee, which he suffered in Game 3, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
Williams collided with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 3 and later experienced swelling from the incident, which kept him out of Game 4. The swelling has subsided, but the pain from the injury has lingered, causing him to miss Game 5 and now Game 6. He’d previously been listed as questionable.
“I’m disappointed, as we all are, but looking out for his health first and foremost,” said head coach Ime Udoka, adding that Williams won’t play until he’s 100 percent (Twitter links via Jared Weiss and Jay King of The Athletic).
Williams is considered day-to-day and there’s a chance he could return for Game 7 if Boston defeats Milwaukee, per Weiss (via Twitter). The Bucks currently lead the second-round series 3-2.
Although Williams underwent left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus at the end of March, the bone bruise is unrelated to that procedure and stems solely from what happened in Game 3.
The 24-year-old has had a breakout fourth season, emerging as a legitimate candidate for an All-Defensive nod. He averaged 10.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.0 APG and 2.2 BPG with an impressive .736 FG% in 61 regular season games (29.6 MPG).
He’s been limited by conditioning and foul trouble in some postseason games, averaging 6.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 1.8 BPG in five games (20.2 MPG). Still, it’s a big absence for Boston in a must-win elimination game on the road. Game 6 tips off at 6:30pm CT on ESPN.
100% healthy is the standard?— for playoffs? Howbout a smaller number.
I’m thinking there’s some information we’re not being given. Whether it’s the pain itself, his pain tolerance, some swelling, or the doctors saw something they don’t like. Or he just doesn’t have the mobility to justify being on the court.
Regardless, that was an odd way to say he can’t go at all.
How true, ridiculous !! Get your ass on the court !!!
I’m starting to think he’s afraid of the moment. He was tossed around like a giant rag doll in the last game he played.
Yeah, it isn’t an injury he’s “afraid of the moment”
Thanks for explaining that to us all.
Yes, true
There is no way Al can hold Giannis. That’s a bad matchup. Tatum should take the challenge. And have Al backing him up. Always have a guy backing. At least Tatum can, or should keep him from driving.
Giannis owns the paint with Celtics.
Giannis owns the paint period.
Except when a defender establishes position before he runs them over.
Horford is doing a great job out there. I think he’s in their heads. He’s got Giannis chucking threes.
I should mention this means Boston will win…
You can catch Giannis at half court. Don’t let him get started. You need lateral movement. Al can’t do that. Giannis is long and quick enough. You can’t put a big on him. Has to be a long 3 or stretch 4 with lateral movement. He’s the only one scoring. Celtics know they control him. They win. Other Bucks have to step up. Giannis is getting all the attention. Portis hasn’t scored in 15 mins.
Defending champions or not. This Bucks team is frustrating to watch because it’s the same thing over and over and over. Giannis forces and takes bad shots along with running over guys for offensive fouls. Get the other guys involved. Grayson couldn’t guard his mother. Wrong to sign Allen last summer and hope they get rid of him because he’s worthless. Get him out of there and play Portis or Connaughton. C’mon Mike B and team … make some ADJUSTMENTS!!!
No Middleton it has to be this way. But other guys have to help. Can’t be all Giannis. Tatum is getting help. Shooters need to start shooting. And Holiday has to get selfish. Celtics are playing with numbers. Bucks are a one man show .
Let’s go ….. Fear the Deer
How can you play that weak D on Tatum. They should all be looking for him and in his chest. Make someone else beat you. Let’s go
Tatum thinks he’s Kobe ….. lol
Tatum big time tonight.
Bucks fell asleep. How do you not key on him in 4th Q. Too many good looks. And why can’t Bucks run an offense. Can’t be all Giannis
I must have missed it, did he direct a homophobic term at a referee or rape a girl?Good old Kobe.
That aged well, lol
Classic Al comments