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Robert Williams III is reportedly nearing his season debut, and it could happen this month. Sources say that the starting center for the Boston Celtics could possibly play his first game of the season against the LA Lakers on Tuesday.
Williams will have the opportunity to play competitive basketball after missing the first 26 games of the regular season. The big man is now listed as day-to-day, which hints at a nearing comeback. The Celtics will play the Lakers on the second night of a back-to-back, with Boston facing the LA Clippers on Monday.
The big man underwent knee surgery before the season started, leaving a hole in the center spot. Luckily for Boston, the Celtics have enough big men who are capable of taking over Williams' responsibilities. Al Horford has done most of the work inside, but coach Joe Mazzulla has evenly distributed Williams' tasks to other players.
The return of the four-year big man will increase the Celtics' chances at making a trip back to the finals. His defense is valued by the team and will only help it further improve its defensive prowess.
When asked about the team's performance without him, Williams said:
"It's so much fun watching these guys play. It's tough to sit there and watch it and feel like you're not a part of it. But like I said, it's great energy, they keep my spirits up."
How will Robert Williams III impact the Boston Celtics?
The Celtics (21-5) have done an exceptional job in solidifying their status as the best team in the league. With their two All-Star wings, Boston has made an impression as the team to beat. The Celtics' excellence this season could even reach new heights with the return of Robert Williams closing in.
Defensively, the Celtics are still one of the best teams. They know how to get to their coverage on time, making them a tough team to score on. However, the absence of Williams has exploited their rim protection this season. They've fallen to the 13th spot in the league in team blocks, far from where they were last season.
During the 2021-22 campaign, the Celtics were in the second spot in team blocks with 5.8 per game. The gap between the 13th spot and the second spot is wide, and that's how Williams will make a difference. Since Ime Udoka was named the head coach, the Celtics have become a defensive-focused team, and it has carried over to Joe Mazzulla's coaching.
Robert Williams will make a splash in the lineup with his defensive tenacity. After almost 30 games, the Celtics will be complete, and their full potential will be seen by the world. Williams' return gives them a better chance at winning the NBA title.
Guess the Lakers players!
