The Celtics remain hot as winners of six straight games, however, they will head to Toronto with serious injury concerns for their starting center.
As reported by Shams Charania on Monday, Robert Williams III has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. Adrian Wojnarowski later confirmed the injury and reported that Williams is expected to miss “several weeks” at a minimum. In addition to Al Horford, Williams did not travel north of the border for Monday night’s game against the Raptors, per a team release.
Williams left Sunday’s win over the Timberwolves and will undergo testing on Monday. This play in the third quarter appears to be the moment he injured his knee:
During the 3Q of the @celtics game, this appears to be the play where @rob_williamsIII injured his knee. It doesn't look like much, but most often non-contact injuries are the worst. Praying this is not the case here. Rest and rehab, Rob, they'll hold it down until you're back! pic.twitter.com/utp1LWkWcI
— Impartial Dude (@DarkhorsePrey) March 28, 2022
Williams has stepped up during the Celtics’ hot stretch over the last two months, averaging 10 points per game this season. His 2.2 blocks per game are second-best in the NBA, behind only the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Celtics look for their seventh straight win in Toronto on Monday night.
Recapping the Celtics' trio of moves at the 2022 NBA trade deadline
Danny Ainge had overseen almost two decades worth of trade deadlines as the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. Fans may have been unsure of what to expect as Brad Stevens manned the phones for the first time since being promoted to Ainge’s old job back in June.
What ensued was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent memory in Boston sports. In total, the Celtics traded away seven players and a first-round pick, acquired two players and a second-round pick, and added a future first-round pick swap. Here’s a quick rundown of each of the Celtics’ three deals done throughout the day…
Trade 1
Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics get:
— Future 2nd-round pick
Magic get:
— F P.J. Dozier
— C Bol Bol
— Future 2nd-round pick
— Cash considerationsThe Celtics’ first move of the day wasn’t a major one, but it did help the team get under the luxury tax. Boston acquired P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol just a few weeks ago in a three team deal that saw them send forward Juancho Hernangomez and cash considerations to San Antonio.
Trade 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on December 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Celtics get:
— G Derrick White
Spurs get:
— G/F Josh Richardson
— G Romeo Langford
— 2022 1st-round pick (1-4 protected)A few hours later, the Celtics made their first player acquisition of the day, adding starting Spurs shooting guard Derrick White. White is expected to fill a similar role in Boston. His defensive prowess will give the Celtics a lockdown backcourt, with White playing next to Marcus Smart. Meanwhile, Richardson was part of the bench unit while Langford was struggling to find minutes in the rotation. This deal also includes a 2028 first-round pick swap, with Boston’s pick top-1 protected.
Trade 3
Dec 15, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (27) rebounds beside guard Josh Christopher (9) and forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics get:
— C Daniel Theis
Rockets get:
— G Dennis Schröder
— F Bruno Fernando
— C Enes FreedomFor the second year in a row, the Celtics made a trade involving Daniel Theis just before the trade deadline hit. This time, the Celtics brought back Theis for a second stint, and moved point guard Dennis Schröder. Leading up to Thursday, reports had indicated Schröder – who is on an expiring contract – would be dealt at the deadline.
WATCH: @FelgerAndMazz react to the Celtics Trading Dennis Schroder for Daniel Theis pic.twitter.com/TO2hH5Pb2L
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) February 10, 2022
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