The Celtics are shuffling up their beginning lineup forward of a decisive Sport 6 in opposition to the 76ers

Celtics

Robert Williams is predicted to make his first begin of the 2023 postseason on Thursday night time.

With their backs up in opposition to the wall, the Celtics are shaking up their beginning lineup forward of a do-or-die Sport 6 in Philadelphia.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed forward of tip-off that Robert Williams will begin on Thursday night time, becoming a member of Al Horford in Boston’s frontcourt. Derrick White will slot out of the beginning lineup and be pushed to the bench.

“At his finest, Rob offers us a raise, particularly on the defensive finish,” Mazzulla stated pregame. “So simply in search of that.”

The Celtics’ “double bigs” lineup of Marcus Sensible, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Horford, and Robert Williams was the five-man unit that Boston relied on probably the most throughout their run to the NBA Finals in 2022.

However with Williams sidelined by damage for prolonged stretches this season, Mazzulla used White in additional of a featured function, giving Boston added scoring punch and flexibility.

Boston has tried to restrict Williams’ minutes all through this present marketing campaign following offseason knee surgical procedure. However the heart’s defensive influence will likely be wanted to guard the rim in opposition to each Joel Embiid and James Harden, particularly through the Sixers’ potent pick-and-roll performs.

Stapling Williams subsequent to Horford also needs to assist restrict Philly’s means to achieve added possessions on the offensive glass.

Though Williams and Horford haven’t shared the courtroom a lot on this collection, the duo performed 332 minutes collectively through the common season. Over that prolonged stretch, Boston outscored opponents by 15.9 factors per 100 possessions.

“Simply his presence on the rim, his means to protect on the perimeter and rebound and display for us,” Mazzulla stated of Williams’ influence. “I feel these issues he’s actually been good at all year long and that’s what we’re in search of from him tonight.”

Thursday will mark Williams’ first begin of the postseason. The Celtics’ huge man has averaged 4.0 factors, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per recreation within the collection.

Williams’ added minutes up entrance is probably not the one change that Mazzulla has deliberate for Sport 6.

Based on Shams Charania and Jared Weiss of The Athletic, the Celtics additionally plan to offer guard Payton Pritchard extra reps off the bench. Pritchard has logged simply 22 minutes this postseason, however scored eight factors in 9 minutes throughout Boston’s Sport 5 defeat at TD Backyard.