AP Photo/Michael DwyerBoston Celtics center Robert Williams III is expected to play in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, according to reports.
Williams plans to play limited minutes in Game 3 before taking on a significant minutes load in Game 4 if everything goes well.
Williams tore the meniscus in his left knee on March 27.
The Celtics are off to a great start without Williams in the lineup and have a 2-0 lead over the Nets.
Williams had a good year, setting career highs in points, points per game, blocks, and assists in 61 games.
He started all 61 games after starting only 16 games in his first three seasons, and he averaged 28.6 minutes per game, which was a career high, compared to his previous career high of 18.9 minutes per game.
With Williams out, Boston has started Al Horford and Daniel Theis in the frontcourt with the stars of Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart rounding out the lineup.
When Williams returns, Theis will move back into the role of the bench player, because he is best utilized off the bench.
If Williams returns to the lineup, the Nets will have to contend with both the big men and the Celtics' superb team defense.
The Celtics already have the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Smart, and Williams would present another challenge.
Game 3 of the first-round series will be held in Brooklyn on Saturday, and Game 4 will be held in Brooklyn on Monday.
The Nets are the most dangerous No. 7 seed in the history of the NBA playoffs because they are in control of the series. They could get even stronger with the debut of Ben Simmons.
If Williams is able to return against the Nets, the Celtics will be a much more complete team and a tougher out.
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