Celtics rule out Robert Williams for Game 5 vs Bucks

The Boston Celtics have ruled out center Robert Williams ahead of Game 5 of a second round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Andrew Lopez. Williams previously missed Game 4 on Monday because of soreness in his left knee, and that is again the culprit for Game 5.

Near the end of March, Williams had surgery to repair a torn meniscus. It kept him sidelined for nearly one month, including during the first two games of the Celtics’ first round series against Brooklyn. He eventually returned for Game 3 of the series against the Nets, but never played more than 25 minutes in each of the next five contests.

Now, it appears he suffered a setback in his recovery, as he is expected to miss his second straight game.

Grant Williams replaced the center in the starting lineup Monday, and can likely be expected to do so again in Game 5. Meanwhile, Al Horford should slide over to the center spot in Robert Williams’ absence, where he posted 30 points and eight rebounds Monday in a 116-108 Boston victory.

Robert Williams being unavailable for Boston is a big blow to their defensive efforts, as he has emerged as a valuable role player for the Celtics this year. Williams started 61 games during the regular season and averaged just under 30 minutes per game on the court — nearly averaging a double-double with 10 points and 9.6 rebounds per game to go along with 2.2 blocks.

The Celtics’ Game 4 victory evened the series at two games apiece, so this contest holds extreme importance as both squad look to gain an upper hand. They’ll hope for another big performance from Horford on Wednesday as they aim to put themselves in a position to close out the series in Game 6.

Tip off for Wednesday night’s game is set for 7 p.m. ET in Boston.