Robert Williams Ruled Out for Game 4 vs. Bucks

Robert Williams scored ten points, had five rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in 23 minutes of playing time in Game 3's loss.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Like Game 2, when Marcus Smart was a late scratch, the Celtics announced less than an hour and a half before Game 4 tips off that Robert Williams is unavailable for Monday's matchup due to left knee soreness.

#NEBHInjuryReport update:

Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - OUT

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 9, 2022

That's the same knee that Williams underwent a partial left knee meniscectomy about six weeks ago to address a left knee meniscal tear. Williams, who's clearly not at full strength, was limping at points in Game 3 on Saturday.

When asked about the development in his pregame availability Monday, Ime Udoka said Williams had soreness that he felt today, labeling it a "flare-up."

Udoka also said it's not unexpected for Williams to be dealing with soreness in his left knee in the aftermath of his surgery. The Celtics' head coach also announced that, as expected, Grant Williams will take the Timelord's spot in the starting lineup.

As for whether the team anticipates having Robert Williams in Game 5, Udoka responded: "Yeah, you would expect so."

Further Reading

[Film Room] What Led to Jayson Tatum's Struggles in Game 3 and How the Celtics Get Him Going in Game 4

What Stood Out from the Celtics' Loss vs. Bucks in Game 3: Boston Blitzed in Third Quarter, Nearly Wins in the Fourth

Ime Udoka Discusses Derrick White's Impact: 'the shots are just icing on the cake'

One-on-One with Cameron Look on His Improbable Journey to Designing Jayson Tatum's Jordans

What Stood Out from the Celtics' Win vs. Bucks in Game 2: Boston Gets Back to Winning Formula to Tie Series at 1

What Stood Out from the Celtics' Loss vs. Bucks in Game 1: Boston 'Caught Off Guard' by Milwaukee's Physicality in Series Opener