Celtics C Robert Williams won't play Game 3 vs. Heat
The Boston Celtics listed center Robert Williams as out for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat on Saturday.
Williams, 24, was initially listed by the Celtics as questionable with left knee soreness. Head coach Ime Udoka told reporters pregame that Williams experienced swelling and soreness and would be checked out before the team made the final call to sideline him.
Udoka said that Williams had some swelling and soreness, but that he's getting checked out pregame before a final update is made on his status for Game 3.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 21, 2022
The series with the Miami Heat is tied, 1-1, following the Celtics' dominant 127-102 win in Game 2 on Thursday night in Miami.
The 6-foot-8 big man missed Games 4, 5 and 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. He did not play in Game 7. In Game 1 against Miami he scored 18 points, going 6-of-8 overall and 6-of-7 from the free throw line alongside nine rebounds. He had five points and four rebounds in Game 2.
He's averaging career-bests in points (10), rebounds (9.6), blocks (2.2) and assists (2) in 29.6 minutes as a starter.
Williams is the only Celtics player listed on the injury report. The team welcomed Al Horford out of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Marcus Smart also returned to action that game after dealing with a foot injury.
The Celtics are -6.5 at BetMGM. The Heat will have to find a way to stop Smart and get more from Bam Adebayo for a chance to go up again in the series.