How Celtics’ big men stack up without Robert Williams originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics will need the rest of their big men to step up in Robert Williams’ absence.
Williams is sidelined indefinitely with a meniscus tear in his left knee. The team will evaluate surgical options for the 24-year-old, according to head coach Ime Udoka.
Forsberg: Smart won’t let Williams injury bring Celtics down
The injury comes at a brutal time for a surging Celtics team currently battling for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Only six games remain in the regular season, meaning Boston likely will be without its prized center for most — if not all — of the playoffs.
With Time Lord out, the trio of Grant Williams, Daniel Theis and Al Horford will be leaned on heavily. So, how confident should C’s fans be in the group’s ability to fill the void?
Here’s a look at their numbers so far this season.
Grant Williams
Games played: 71
Minutes per game: 24.1
Points per game: 7.8
Rebounds per game: 3.5
Field goal percentage: 47.8
Offensive rating: 123.5
Defensive rating: 108.6
Daniel Theis
Games played: 15 (with Boston)
Minutes per game: 15.7
Points per game: 5.8
Rebounds per game: 4.5
Field goal percentage: 58.6
Offensive rating: 108.6
Defensive rating: 112.3
Al Horford
Games played: 64
Minutes per game: 29.0
Points per game: 10.0
Rebounds per game: 7.5
Field goal percentage: 45.2
Offensive rating: 120.7
Defensive rating: 104.1
Horford is set to return for Wednesday night’s game against the top-seeded Miami Heat at TD Garden. Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also are expected to be back in the mix after missing Monday’s overtime loss to Toronto.
Tip-off for Celtics vs. Heat is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.