Injury bug (concussion-like symptoms) bites Celtics' Robert Williams at worst time again

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Boston Celtics second-year center Robert Williams displayed concussion-like symptoms after taking an inadvertent elbow to the face in the first quarter of Tuesday’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cavaliers forward Kevin Love smacked Williams with an elbow as the two chased a rebound and Williams hit the ground hard, where he remained while play continued back up the court.

The team announced Williams will be re-evaluated on Wednesday in Boston.

"Robert was diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters in Cleveland. "I don't know what that means. Obviously, we're concerned about his health. He’ll get with the doctors one more time before we take off here.”

Williams was getting his second start of the preseason but played only 3 scoreless minutes. In a new-look frontcourt, Williams had a chance this preseason to really state his case for available playing time, this after a summer in which coaches raved about his progress, but the injury derailed his best chance to assert himself.

It continues a trend from last season where minor ailments seemed to prevent Williams from having a chance to pounce on available minutes.

Williams registered 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in 33 preseason minutes. He looked overly amped in his first start against Charlotte and played in only small bursts while coming off the bench in the two games that followed.

It would seem Daniel Theis best positioned himself for starter minutes if the Celtics ultimately elect to utilize Enes Kanter off the bench. A healthy Williams can distinguish himself with not only his raw athleticism but his passing abilities. Rookie Vincent Poirer, a French import this summer, logged some quality defensive minutes this preseason that could help his case for immediate floor time.

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