Celtics' Williams expected to return in four to six weeks

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III suffered a torn meniscus in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics' Robert Williams III expected to return in four to six weeks

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/30/22

Boston Celtics fans were able to breathe a slight sigh of relief on Wednesday morning, as it was reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that starting center Robert Williams III is expected to return from his torn meniscus within four to six weeks. At 47-29 and in third place in the Eastern Conference — but just one game behind the conference-leading Miami Heat — the Celtics have all but assured themselves a spot in the top six and thus, avoiding the dreaded Play-In Tournament.

Depending on how far Boston advances in the playoffs, Williams could return to action for the most critical part of the year.

After procedure this morning, there's some optimism of a return on the shorter end of that 4-to-6 week timeline, sources tell ESPN. The conference semifinals are expected to start around April 30-to-May 2.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 30, 2022

Williams suffered the injury during the team's Sunday victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves and it was reported on Monday that the big man would be out "at least several weeks."

This has been the best season of Williams' career, as the Texas A&M product has posted career highs in points (10.0), rebounds (9.6), blocks (2.2), assists (2.0) and minutes per game (29.6), while also shooting a career-best 73.6% from the field and 72.2% from the free-throw line. His 2.2 blocks per contest tie him with Rudy Gobert for second in the NBA, trailing only Jaren Jackson Jr. (2.3).

The 24-year-old also ranks first in the league in offensive rating (147.5) and defensive rating (102.1) and third in defensive win shares (3.9).

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