Boston Celtics’ hope for top seed in East takes another hit with key injury

The Boston Celtics’ hope of landing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference takes another hit after another injury to Robert Williams.

There was a point this season when it seemed as if the Boston Celtics were going to run wild on every other team in the league en route to a surefire NBA Championship. However, the Celtics have simmered since then. Make no mistake, the Celtics are still a very talented team and could still very well win the championship this season. But much has changed since that early-season stance.

Part of the reason why the Celtics have fallen back to earth so to speak is the fact that they’ve had to endure key injuries this season. Five of Boston’s top seven players have missed at least 10 games this season. And heading into the final few weeks of the regular season, the Celtics have suffered another key injury.

Robert Williams is set to miss the next 1-2 weeks with a left hamstring injury. Williams had a delayed start to the season and has only played 28 games this season. Though, he is going to be a key part of the team heading into the playoffs and if the Celtics are going to win a championship, they’re likely going to need a fully healthy Williams.

The Boston Celtics will likely play it safe with Robert Williams

Considering that the Celtics are now two games (in the loss column) back of the Milwaukee Bucks, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the team is playing it extremely safe when it comes to this injury to Williams.

Perhaps this is an injury that Williams could be playing through but because of where the Celtics are in the season, the risk outweighs the reward of playing Williams right now. Is a possible homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference against the Bucks important for the Celtics? Absolutely. But let’s also remember, the Celtics won a huge Game 6 on the road last season against Milwaukee with their backs against the wall of elimination.

I’d have to assume that if the Celtics had to choose between having a healthy and rested Williams or homecourt advantage in the conference finals, they’d choose the former.

I think the safe play is that Williams will be out for at least two weeks for the Celtics. Perhaps more if there’s any concern about him potentially reaggravating the injury.

The Celtics are in a good place. They should be trying to get as healthy as possible heading into the postseason, even if that means waving the white flag when it comes to their pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the East.