With the Boston Celtics set to tip-off against the Brooklyn Nets for game one of their first-round series on Saturday, starting center Robert Williams is expected to play.
The third-year big out of Texas A&M had missed five of Boston’s previous six games due to turf toe which he re-injured during the play-in game against Washington.
However, if Williams isn’t able to play, the C’s frontcourt is going to be in jeopardy.
Not only are they up against one of the best offenses in the league but the Brooklyn Nets also have two of the greatest rim attackers of all time in Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
There were three meetings between the two teams in the regular season between these two ball clubs. The Nets won all three, but Robert Williams was only available for their March 11th matchup in which he registered a whopping six blocks in only 16 minutes of play.
When looking back at Kyrie Irving’s field goal attempts in that game, Williams was the sole Boston Celtics big man that was close to being capable of both sliding with and making shots difficult for the crafty scorer.
Outside of Williams, fellow pivot option, Daniel Theis, has since been traded, leaving Tristan Thompson as the only other true big in the rotation with Luke Kornet and Tacko Fall as reserves.
Not only is Williams a better athlete but he’s a better playmaker and defender as well. Not to mention the added value in being a vertical threat, both blocking shots and catching lobs.
Even when looking at the recent play-in game against Washington, Williams was all over the place and contesting almost every rim attempt possible while Thompson was not affecting nearly as many shots.
Now, don’t get it twisted, I love Thompson. The championship DNA he brings to the Boston Celtics helps fill the large hole that is the lack of veteran presence.
However, he also has a good chance of getting torn apart by a Nets team that will have at least one of James Harden or Kyrie Irving on the floor at any point. Fans shouldn’t feel comfortable with him starting on their favorite team at this point in his career.
Now, would I condone Williams playing if he’s hurt? No.
He’s been prone to injury and health should be the main priority for Boston as they are currently full-blown underdogs as is. There’s no need to lose when there’s nothing to lose.
That said, if they do pull off the historic upset, it will be in large part due to the defense and hyperactivity of Robert Williams.