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Wednesday was just the latest example in the progress Robert Williams has made in his recovery from a left hip bone edema, which has kept him from playing in an NBA game since Dec. 9.
Williams ramped up his rehabilitation recently, so much so that he caught himself almost putting on a dunk contest as the second-year big man practiced without any restrictions.
“No limitations on anything I’m doing,” Williams said. “So I want to windmill every time I dunk. But I still have to play it cautious a little bit.”
All the improvement Williams has made from his injury has him close to returning to action. Williams will travel with the C’s on their upcoming four-game road trip out of the All-Star break, but Williams will not suit up for any of the contests even though he told reporters he was “ready to play.”
How is Robert Williams feeling? “Great. I’m ready to play.”
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) February 20, 2020
He remains out for the road trip, however.
According to NBC Sports Boston’s A. Sherrod Blakely, Williams is targeting Boston’s next home game, which is Feb. 29 against the Houston Rockets, for his return.
Robert Williams will be making the four-game trip with the #Celtics but will not play according to head coach Brad Stevens. Williams alluded to his next game back (he has missed the last 33 for the Celtics) would be Boston's next home game Feb. 29 vs Houston.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) February 20, 2020
While Williams itches to get back to playing meaningful games, for now, he’ll just have to be okay with putting on a show in practice for his teammates.
“He looked good today... did some ridiculous plays,” said Jaylen Brown.
Williams has played in only 19 games this season, averaging 3.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks and he will be a welcomed addition when he officially comes back, giving the Celtics more depth, especially at the center spot.