The Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III will be out of action for 8-12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee, the team announced on Friday.
Said to be done in order to “remove loose bodies and address swelling in his left knee,” this is Williams’ second surgery on his left knee this year. The center underwent a partial left knee meniscectomy on March 30 after incurring a torn meniscus. Although he returned to action for the Celtics’ victory against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA playoffs, recurring soreness and swelling resulted in Williams being ruled out of action yet again.
With Williams’ earliest return date being after Thanksgiving, he could potentially remain unavailable until the Christmas period. This is a major blow for the Celtics, with the team’s league-leading defense being crippled by yet another injury.
Boston also announced that Danilo Gallinari underwent knee surgery as well for an injury setback incurred back in August when he tore his ACL. Having signed a two-year, $13 million contract in July, Gallinari was expected to provide the Celtics with a much-needed boost alongside bench option Malcolm Brogdon.
