BOSTON — Robert Williams III has been ruled out of Monday's Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left knee pain.
Although Williams' name did not appear on any of Boston's injury reports, coach Ime Udoka claimed Williams tried warming up before the game but thought the pain was too intense.
"He was a little sore today," Udoka explained. "It just kind of erupted. It appeared out of nowhere. He didn't feel anything throughout the game or yesterday. It wasn't a mishap. It was only a minor flare-up, and it became inflamed while attempting to warm up."
Williams tore his left meniscus in late March and didn't play again until Game 3 of Boston's first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.
Williams returned to the starting lineup against Milwaukee, and he has started all three games.
Williams' discomfort is expected as a result of the operation, according to Udoka, and he's had general soreness between games before, but this time it's more evident.
Udoka said he didn't expect Williams to be subjected to any more testing, but hoped he'd be ready for Game 5 in Boston on Wednesday.
When questioned about Williams' prospective availability, Udoka responded, "You would assume so." "He's been experiencing some normal discomfort... It's anticipated to slow down and he'll be able to play in the next game."
Williams averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game in the Bucks series. He was forced to sit out Game 3 after being elbowed in the head by Bucks player Bobby Portis.
As a result of Williams' absence, Boston will start Grant Williams.
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