Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla provided a positive update on Celtics center Robert Williams III and his impending return Friday night. Williams has yet to play this season following a knee procedure in late September — Mazzulla confirmed before the game Williams will indeed see his first action of the year against the Magic. Mazzulla also offered insight into Williams’ recovery and what the expectations in the short term will be.
“There isn’t a minute restriction,” Mazzulla said. “We just have got to make sure we don’t over use him. It’s more about how he’s doing during the game and how he’s doing after the game. Williams served as the club’s defensive anchor last season, and many believe bringing him back into the fold will help Boston recapture that same magic on defense. The Celtics are No. 13 in points in the paint allowed this year thus far.
“He just makes us better,” Mazzulla said. “He’ll allow our guys to be more confident in defending the ball aggressively because they know they have help and size behind.”
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Mazzulla neglected to share how many minutes Williams is likely to play Friday or in the interim. He did state that the center’s conditioning and recovery are both in a great place.
Fellow big man Al Horford will also return to action Friday. Horford was sidelined with COVID before joining his wife for the birth of his fifth child.
The Celtics host the Magic this Friday night and Sunday afternoon. The club is beginning a seven-game home stand at TD Garden until a New Year’s Day tilt in Denver.
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