Skip to content

Robert Williams returns to lineup, Smart misses Game 4

Gary Dineen / National Basketball Association / Getty

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams returned to the lineup for Monday's 102-82 Game 4 win against the Miami Heat, but Marcus Smart sat out after spraining his right ankle in the previous tilt.

Smart was considered questionable earlier in the day but is still experiencing significant swelling, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka told reporters pregame, according to The Athletic's Jay King.

The Defensive Player of the Year averaged 15.8 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 boards, and 1.2 steals over 12 playoff appearances.

Fifth-year guard Derrick White started in Smart's place, posting 13 points, eight boards, six assists, and three steals in 41 minutes of play.

Williams sat out Game 3 with left knee soreness and missed five of the last seven contests. He had 12 points, nine boards, and two blocks in Monday's blowout victory.

The 6-foot-8 center was sidelined for nearly a month of action after sustaining a torn meniscus in his left knee during the late stages of the regular season. Williams registered 10 points, 9.6 boards, 2.2 blocks, and two assists per game in his first campaign as a full-time starter.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox