Ime Udoka mentioned on Thursday that a part of Rob Williams’ return from left knee meniscus surgical procedure would rely upon “pain tolerance,” and it seems the younger heart could also be nearer to taking part in than initially thought doable.
A league supply, requested a few report from The Athletic’s Shams Sharania that Williams was near a return, and will play in both Game 3 (Saturday) or Game 4 (Monday) of the Celtics’ first spherical collection in opposition to Brooklyn, mentioned that his standing was thought of “day-to-day” by the crew. In this case, “day-to-day” might be thought of an improve.
“It depends on how he feels,” mentioned the supply, who pressured that although Wiliams has made nice progress from his March 30 surgical procedure, there’s nonetheless an equally good probability that he “will play or won’t play.”
An upbeat Williams has been seen on the apply ground this week, dribbling and dealing within the weight room. Udoka mentioned that although Williams hasn’t taken half in a full crew apply but, he has been concerned in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 classes, together with contact.
“Not practice. He’s jumped up his level of activity as far as rehab,” mentioned Udoka, who added that Williams was anticipated to journey with the crew to Brooklyn on Friday.
“Being out there with some 3-on-3, 4-on-4, but not out there practicing with the team. You can’t really emulate the game, but he’s starting to do more. Contact work and getting out there as much as we can – there’s no need to put him out there for walkthroughs, so he’s doing things outside the group more so than with us.”
“He’ll travel with us. It’s different than the end of the season where he was in the early stages of his rehab and wanted him to be here. Get two-a-days in. This is the time of year where we want him around the team, him around the ground and get into the playoff atmosphere. So he’ll travel with us. Regarding him, he’s progressing well. He’s had no setbacks and that benchmark of what we said, the 4-6 weeks, is looking good. So we’re happy with his progress.”
The four-week window would line up with a possible Game 9 in Brooklyn on April 29.
Williams’ standing mirrors that of the Nets’ Ben Simmons, who’s concentrating on a Game 4 debut for his new crew, and hasn’t performed for the reason that 2021 convention finals whereas nonetheless a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Williams’ return would have an infinite affect for the Celtics at each ends of the ground, although his rim and paint presence is a part of what made them the top-rated protection within the NBA this season.
Source: www.bostonherald.com