Robert Williams makes Brad Stevens’ starting five for first Celtics preseason game

Celtics coach Brad Stevens noted he will use the preseason slate of games to experiment with different lineups and the first one he set had one surprise.

Robert Williams will get the starting nod at center in the C’s first preseason game tonight versus the Charlotte Hornets along with Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Stevens said not to read into the decisions, but it is interesting to see Williams in the starting lineup over veteran free agent pickup Enes Kanter. Much is expected of Williams in his second season with the C’s and all the talk out of training camp is that Williams will play a much larger role than the one he had last year.

Stevens added that no one on the Celtics will play over 25 minutes in the first preseason game.

Romeo Langford, the C’s first pick at No. 14 overall in this past NBA Draft, will not suit up against the Hornets as he is still hampered by a groin injury, which has prevented him from seeing live action during training camp. Daniel Theis is also out with an abductor strain. Both injuries aren’t thought to be serious.