Report: Celtics shaking up starting lineup for elimination showdown with 76ers

The Boston Celtics are putting all their cards on the table as they face the prospects of elimination on Thursday.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the Celtics plan to move big man Robert Williams III into the starting lineup for Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Williams will replace guard Derrick White to join teammates Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford in the Boston starting five.

Williams has a big, athletic body and offers rim protection while giving the Celtics another defensive option against MVP Joel Embiid. His pairing in the frontcourt with Horford was key to Boston’s NBA Finals run last season. Williams has largely come off the bench this season as he continues to work his way back from knee and hamstring injuries.

White, a shooter and ball-handler who was just named Second Team All-Defense, had started all 11 games for Boston to this juncture in the postseason. But he gives up some height at 6-foot-4, meaning Williams might be the better situational play against the 76ers’ burly starting unit. Especially because Horford can also space the floor effectively on offense.

The Celtics have to win to keep their season alive and are currently down 3-2 in the series. They have tripped over their own feet at times this series, but are no-doubt hoping that this starting lineup change gives them the thunderbolt they need to force a Game 7 in Boston.