Robert Williams out indefinitely with turf toe

After being listed as questionable heading into tonight’s game in Chicago, the Celtics have ruled out Robert Williams against the Bulls with turf toe and it sounds like it could be a few more missed games for the big man.

“He’s meeting with specialists and figuring out the best method of attack,” head coach Brad Stevens said. “I don’t know what his availability will be like any time in the next week.”

Stevens noted the unpredictability of the injury. “Turf toe is an interesting one. For anybody that’s ever had it, it’s a nuisance, it’s a difficult thing to deal with.” After missing seven consecutive games with knee soreness, Williams has played well in the last four, averaging nearly 7 points, 7 rebounds, and two blocks in 21 minutes per game.

Tristan Thompson is “a lot better” and will play without a minutes restriction. With Williams, Stevens noted that reserve centers Luke Kornet and Tacko Fall should be ready to soak up minutes at the 5. That could include extra time from Grant Williams at center if Boston opts to go small. Romeo Langford will also be available after missing the last game in Orlando while in the concussion protocol.

Jaylen Brown remains out with a sprained ankle.

As it’s been all year, the Celtics injury bug continues to bite even this late into the regular season. After tonight’s game, the team heads home for two games against the Miami Heat. The teams have identical records heading into tonight’s games (the Heat host the Timberwolves) and that mini-series could go a long way in determining who is the #6 seed in the East and who has to contend with the play-in tournament rather than get a week’s rest before the playoffs.