The timeline for Celtics center Robert Williams’s return was lengthened after he underwent surgery to repair loose bodies and address swelling in his left knee, with the big man now expected to resume basketball activities in 8-12 weeks, the team announced.
Previously, Williams was expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks following his procedure. It now appears that he could miss more than two months of the regular season, further weakening a depleted frontcourt.
Forward Danilo Gallinari underwent surgery to repair his torn ACL, the Celtics announced Friday. The team did not give a timetable for the return of Gallinari, who suffered the injury while playing for Italy in a World Cup qualifier this month, but he is expected to miss the entire season.
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In July, the Celtics traded center Daniel Theis to the Pacers in the deal that brought Malcolm Brogdon to Boston. For now, the Celtics appear content to see how training camp battles unfold involving big men such as Luke Kornet, Mfiondu Kabengele, and Noah Vonleh before potentially pursuing another option.
Williams tore the meniscus in his left knee in March and returned after surgery a month later, but was clearly hobbled for much of the playoffs. The Celtics remain confident that this latest procedure will help Williams return to form when he is needed most.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @adamhimmelsbach.