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Boston Celtics: 2 teams that could benefit most from Robert Williams’ injury

By Mark Nilon

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles while guarded by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on December 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles while guarded by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on December 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Simply put, the Boston Celtics have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the calendar page flipped to January, as they’ve gone 29-9 over the past 38 games and, as a result, have a real shot of landing a top-3 seed before the conclusion of the regular season.

Throughout the first few months of action, things looked rather bleak for the shamrocks, as they constantly found themselves submerged under .500, were stationed on the outside looking in on the play-in race, and, by the mid-way mark of the campaign, boasted a losing record of 20-21.

However, as time’s gone by this team has managed to find its stride and, in turn, is now heading towards the 2022 postseason with a legitimate chance of attaining the Larry O’Brien Trophy and raising banner No. 18 into the rafters back at TD Garden.

That said, just because confidence is high, this is not to say that the road to the NBA Finals will be a simple walk in the park. In fact, considering their misfortunes of late, it will be far from one.

Perhaps the biggest blow the C’s have endured this season came last week, as it was reported that starting center, Robert Williams III, will be relegated to the sidelines for at least four to six weeks as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Now, while to some, his absence might not be as troubling as one may believe it to be–after all, should Boston advance past the first round, there’s a good chance we’ll see Time Lord once again lace them up for the ball club–there’s certainly an argument to be made that, at least come the early stages of the playoffs, this team could seriously struggle, specifically when it comes to certain matchups against a few potential opponents.

With this in mind, we at HH believe that there are 2 potential opponents the Boston Celtics could face that may wind up benefiting more than others from Robert Williams’ absence from the rotation:

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