Robert Williams III injury update: Is Celtics center playing in Game 7 vs. Bucks?

Gilbert McGregor

Robert Williams III injury update: Is Celtics center playing in Game 7 vs. Bucks? image

Celtics center Robert Williams III was sidelined for Games 4 through 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Bucks, but Boston was able to earn two wins in the big man's absence.

In Game 7, it appears that the Celtics will have hands on deck as there has been a positive update on Williams' status.

MORE: 3 reasons you don't want to miss Bucks vs. Celtics Game 7

Is Williams playing in Game 7? Here is what we know about his injury.

What is Robert Williams III's injury?

According to an official announcement on March 30, Williams underwent a partial left knee meniscectomy and was given a four- to six-week timetable to return.

After missing the remainder of the regular season and the first two games of the Celtics' first-round matchup with the Nets, Williams returned in Game 3 of the opening round.

MORE: Will Khris Middleton play in Game 7? Latest on Bucks star's knee injury

Williams played in five straight playoff games before he was ruled out of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with left knee soreness. A "little flare-up" kept Williams sidelined for Games 5 and 6 as well.

Will Robert Williams III play in Game 7 vs. Bucks

About 90 minutes prior to tip off, the Celtics announced that Williams will be available in Game 7 but will not start.

According to Celtics insider Keith Smith, Head coach Ime Udoka added that Williams is available to play "if needed," which suggests that the center is not guaranteed to see action during Game 7, though he will be in uniform.

Grant Williams has started in place of Robert Williams III.

Celtics vs. Bucks series schedule

Here is the full schedule for the second-round series between the Celtics and Bucks:

Date Game Result Time (ET)
May 1 Game 1 Bucks 101, Celtics 89
May 3 Game 2 Celtics 109, Bucks 86
May 7 Game 3 Bucks 103, Celtics 101
May 9 Game 4 Celtics 116, Bucks 108
May 11 Game 5 Bucks 110, Celtics 107
May 13 Game 6 Celtics 108, Bucks 95
May 15 Game 7 3:30 p.m.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.