Celtics center Robert Williams III will likely deal with his knee injury for the rest of the playoffs, head coach Ime Udoka said, as relayed by Jay King of The Athletic. Williams missed Game 3 against Miami due to knee soreness and swelling, and the team is currently listing him as questionable for Game 4.
Williams, a defensive-minded center, averaged a career-high 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game this season, anchoring Boston’s elite defense. He underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the knee at the end of March, then suffered a bone bruise last series.
Here are some other notes from the Eastern Conference:
- Heat guard Victor Oladipo received strong reviews after a dominant defensive performance in Game 3, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Oladipo recorded four steals and forced even more turnovers down the stretch, filling in for the injured Jimmy Butler.
- Omari Sankofa II of The Athletic releases his mock draft, which predicts that the Pistons will select Shaedon Sharpe No. 5 overall. Sharpe, a 6’6″ guard, is viewed as one of the best athletic players in the draft. Detroit is coming off a season in which it finished just 23-59.
- The Magic are eager to fall in love with their No. 1 pick, not to trade it, writes Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel. Orlando was awarded the top selection in the draft at last week’s draft lottery. The team will likely choose from a consensus top three of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr. and Paolo Banchero.
Magic are gonna be a handful in 2 years.
I can see Pistons wanting Sharpe. But they will be taking a big gamble passing on Ivey. Plus Kings could change it all by taking Sharpe. Or considering the rumors Kings are listening to trade offers. Someone else could move for Sharpe. If Ivey doesn’t go 4th. I can see Murray going 4th. That 4th pick is where the action will begin. Unless Thunder take Banchero. Then Rockets could trade down.
Holmgren and Sharpe could have big upside in yrs to come. Banchero, Murray, Ivey, Mathurin are all ready Now. Best thing that can happen to Rockets. Is Thunder take Holmgren. Then I would move Wood and Porter at the draft.
I can see Ivy going 3rd & Sharpe 4th pushing Banchero to 5th as well.