The Latest on Robert Williams' Availability for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals

The Celtics are a different team with Robert Williams in the lineup, and Game 4 reinforced his size and athleticism are difference-maker in this series.

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

On the eve of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics' injury report lists Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain) and Robert Williams (left knee soreness) statuses as questionable. Sam Hauser (right shoulder instability episode) remains out.

#NEBHInjuryReport for Game 5 vs. Miami:

Sam Hauser (right shoulder instability episode) - OUT
Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain) - QUESTIONABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - QUESTIONABLE

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 24, 2022

Following Monday's 102-82 win, Robert Williams, who registered 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, with his size and athleticism serving as difference-makers at both ends, expressed: "Obviously, a great feeling of being out there, being back with my guys. The knee, knee feels great. Obviously, check on it tomorrow; see how it's feeling recovery-wise."

When asked about the specifics of his knee injury, Williams shared: "It's just swelling a little bit, stiffening up on me a little. (I'm) taking it day-by-day. Spending a lot of time with the trainers. Throwing a lot of scenarios at it, (to) see how it responds."

He later said: "We usually wait 'til the next day to see if it's swelling or anything. Like I said, though, coming out of this game, no doubts in my head, I feel good playing."

Williams also conveyed it's not a matter of pain tolerance but rather: "reading if I'm limited to doing certain things. I don't want to have a lot of limitations when I'm out there."

Tuesday, before the Celtics flew to Miami, Ime Udoka said of the matter: "You never know until the next day or two. Sometimes, it's the second day, which is obviously game day."

Udoka added: "(with) the swelling and pain, it's literally day-to-day," and that team is "hopeful for the best, but you never know how his body responds to it."

Further Reading

Celtics Know Winning Game 5 Starts with Staying Urgent: 'We shouldn't have to get punched in the mouth to respond'

The Top 5 Plays from Game 4 Between the Celtics and Heat

What Stood Out from Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals: In a Must-Win Game, Celtics Deliver

Celtics Discuss Not Matching Heat's Urgency, Physicality in Game 3: 'If we want to win this series, we have to match that physicality'

What Stood Out from Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals: Heat Play with More Urgency, Celtics Commit 24 Turnovers in Loss

What Stood Out from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics Win Decisively, Tying the Series as it Heads to Boston