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June 8 update: Williams is available and will start in Game 3 against the Warriors.
June 7 update: Williams has once again been listed as questionable, but the expectation is he will play in Game 3 Wednesday against the Warriors.
June 5 update: Williams, as expected, is listed as available and will likely get the start in Game 2 for the Celtics.
June 4 update: Williams is listed as questionable for Game 2, while Smart is officially off the injury report. We expect Williams to suit up after a solid Game 1 showing with eight points, six rebounds and four blocks.
June 2 update: Williams is also available, so everyone is in for Game 1 of the Finals on both sides.
Update: Smart is no longer on the injury report, meaning he’s available for Game 1 as was always going to be case given his workload since Game 4 of the Eastern conference finals.
The Boston Celtics have listed Marcus Smart and Robert Williams as questionable for Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Smart is dealing with a ankle issue, while Williams is still nursing a knee injury.
Ime Udoka reiterated that Robert Williams will be day to day the rest of the way. He and Marcus Smart will both be listed as questionable for Game 1.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 1, 2022
The expectation is both players will suit up, as they’ve been listed as questionable since Game 3 of the conference finals against the Heat. Williams missed that contest, but returned in Game 4. Smart missed Game 4 after suffering an injury in Game 3, but returned for Game 5.
If Smart and Williams cannot play, look for Derrick White and Daniel Theis to have bigger roles in Boston’s rotation. Williams is less likely to receive heavy minutes, as he’s not played at a high level and is still showing the effects of some knee issues. Smart is set to start and get big minutes, although White should be able to get in the rotation with his strong play of late.