Robert Williams is inching closer to returning to the Boston Celtics lineup.
The 24-year-old center took part in scrimmages during the team's shootaround Wednesday. The Celtics host the Miami Heat at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
Williams had knee surgery in September and was expected to resume basketball activities in eight to 12 weeks.
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Scrimmaging definitely qualifies as a basketball activity, and based on video from Jay King of The Athletic during Wednesday's shootaround, Williams is back to blocking shots in emphatic fashion.
When could Williams return to game action?
Williams agent, Kevin Bradbury, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski last week that he expects the Celtics center to "be back by Christmas."
The Celtics play the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden in one of the NBA's five Christmas Day games.
Williams is one of the most important players on the Celtics roster. He's an elite defensive center, a very good rebounder and is able to score between eight and 10 points per game.
The Celtics would be wise to take their time with Williams and not rush him back at all. The most important objective is having him healthy for the beginning of the Eastern Conference playoffs in the spring.