Report: Robert Williams could return from injury ahead of schedule

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Coach Ime Udoka and the Celtics remain optimistic after Rob Williams’ surgery went well to repair his torn meniscus.

The initial report that Robert Williams had suffered a torn meniscus was a crushing blow to Boston Celtics fans. Since then, however, there's been nothing but good news about his expected recovery.

After suffering the injury Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williams underwent surgery Wednesday morning and already has begun rehab with an official recovery timeline of four-to-six weeks.

But ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that it's very possible Time Lord returns in four weeks -- if not sooner.

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"It was really the best-case scenario for Boston that it was not a full tear," Wojnarowski said on Thursday's episode of "The Woj Pod" podcast. "It was essentially an injury that is called clipping the meniscus as opposed to doing a repair."

Woj added that the Celtics' four-to-six-week timeline is "on the conservative side," and that "there's real optimism it’s closer to four weeks -- maybe even a little less."

"The possibility that it’s even less than four weeks is real."

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Four weeks from Wednesday is April 27, so if Williams follows that timeline, he'd be available for the entire second round of the playoffs if Boston advances past Round 1. (Second-round games are expected to begin between April 30 and May 2, per Woj.)

If Williams returns even sooner than April 27, it's possible he could suit up for a potential Game 6 or Game 7 in the first round.

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There's some reason for caution here: Williams' game is predicated on explosiveness, and the Celtics shouldn't rush him back if he can't be the full version of the dangerous lob threat and elite rim protector who's been central to their second-half surge.

President of basketball operations Brad Stevens seemed quite bullish on Williams' recovery outlook Friday morning, though.

"I will say this: I just looked across -- my office looks into the kitchen (at the Celtics' training facility) ... and he's walking great," Stevens told 98.5 The Sports Hub's "Toucher & Rich" radio show. "He’s just got a little sleeve on his leg and he's moving great. It's amazing, two days post surgery."

Williams will begin an "extensive rehab process" next week and has been in "great spirits" since the surgery, Stevens said.

The Celtics shouldn't overlook their first-round opponent and shouldn't bank on Williams being 100 percent right out of the gate. But if the C's can win Round 1 and play like they did prior to Williams' injury in Round 2, they're going to be a real problem in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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