Rob Williams (left hamstring pressure) listed as out towards the Knicks, Brogdon (ankle) is questionable

The Boston Celtics introduced that Robert Williams will miss tomorrow evening’s recreation towards the New York Knicks with a left hamstring pressure. Williams left the sport within the second half of final evening’s collapse towards the Brooklyn Nets after developing hobbling after leaping on the rim. Malcolm Brogdon missed the sport with a proper ankle subject, and he’s questionable for tomorrow.

Boston had a very good run of being wholesome (a complete week!), however sadly, the necessity for depth continues to rear its head. Williams hasn’t precisely been the otherworldly pressure he was final yr, however he nonetheless is extremely efficient and has had a constructive impression on Boston lineups. The Celtics began off as a crimson carpet on protection this yr, however Williams’ return propelled them again to elite standing on that finish.

Towards the Knicks on Monday – a recreation during which the Celtics couldn’t purchase a 3-pointer and Tatum was nonetheless in his post-ASB droop – Williams wasn’t extremely efficient. Joe Mazzulla determined to go smaller because the Celtics tried completely different defensive techniques to comprise Julius Randle (23 factors) and Jalen Brunson (17 factors). Even Immanuel Quickley obtained in on the motion with 23 factors of his personal. The Celtics should be way more efficient of their one-on-one protection, they usually’ll need to do a greater job of well timed doubles that put the protection in rotation. This will get loads more durable with out Robert Williams guarding the paint.

Derrick White has performed in each recreation to this point this season, and he’ll proceed to get vital minutes whether or not or not Malcolm Brogdon can play. With Robert Williams sitting out (no phrase on if this absence will prolong previous simply Sunday), Mazzulla will probably go to both Grant Williams or Derrick White for the fifth starter spot. Provided that Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle are within the opposing frontcourt, it’s probably that Grant Williams and even Mike Muscala will get the decision.

Clearly, it could be preferable if Brogdon can go because the Celtics look to avenge their loss to New York from final week. Boston has fallen behind by 1 recreation for the very best report within the league as Milwaukee has gone on a 16-game successful streak. In the event that they lose tonight towards the Philadelphia 76ers and the Celtics can win tomorrow evening towards a New York staff that’s rattled off 8 wins in a row, Boston could regain some wholesome momentum as March progresses.