The Boston Celtics introduced that Robert Williams will miss tomorrow evening’s sport in opposition to the New York Knicks with a left hamstring pressure. Williams left the sport within the second half of final evening’s collapse in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets after developing hobbling after leaping on the rim. Malcolm Brogdon missed the sport with a proper ankle challenge, and he’s questionable for tomorrow.
Robert Williams has been dominated out of tomorrow’s sport in opposition to the Knicks with a left hamstring pressure. Malcolm brogdon (proper ankle soreness) is questionable per the Celtics.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 4, 2023
Boston had a great run of being wholesome (a complete week!), however sadly, the necessity for depth continues to rear its head. Williams hasn’t precisely been the otherworldly power he was final yr, however he nonetheless is extremely efficient and has had a optimistic influence on Boston lineups. The Celtics began off as a crimson carpet on protection this yr, however Williams’ return propelled them again to elite standing on that finish.
In opposition to the Knicks on Monday – a sport through which the Celtics couldn’t purchase a 3-pointer and Tatum was nonetheless in his post-ASB hunch – Williams wasn’t extremely efficient. Joe Mazzulla determined to go smaller because the Celtics tried totally different defensive ways to include Julius Randle (23 factors) and Jalen Brunson (17 factors). Even Immanuel Quickley bought in on the motion with 23 factors of his personal. The Celtics must be rather more efficient of their one-on-one protection, they usually’ll must do a greater job of well timed doubles that put the protection in rotation. This will get quite a bit more durable with out Robert Williams guarding the paint.
Derrick White has performed in each sport up to now this season, and he’ll proceed to get important minutes whether or not or not Malcolm Brogdon can play. With Robert Williams sitting out (no phrase on if this absence will lengthen previous simply Sunday), Mazzulla will probably go to both Grant Williams or Derrick White for the fifth starter spot. On condition that Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle are within the opposing frontcourt, it’s probably that Grant Williams and even Mike Muscala will get the decision.
Clearly, it could be preferable if Brogdon can go because the Celtics look to avenge their loss to New York from final week. Boston has fallen behind by 1 sport for the perfect file within the league as Milwaukee has gone on a 16-game profitable streak. In the event that they lose tonight in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Celtics can win tomorrow evening in opposition to a New York crew that’s rattled off 8 wins in a row, Boston might regain some wholesome momentum as March progresses.
