For the first time in his 8-year NBA career, center Robert Williams III will face off against the Boston Celtics. The Portland Trail Blazers big man was cleared to play for Monday night’s showdown with the C’s at TD Garden despite initially being listed as questionable due to injury management on his left knee.

Injuries are exactly what’s delayed this official homecoming. The former Celtics center was dealt to the Trail Blazers just ahead of the 2023-24 season and various health issues have prevented him from playing in the last five meetings between the Blazers and his old squad. Despite his long history of injury trouble, Williams is currently enjoying one of his healthiest seasons, as the 28-year-old has already entered 31 games. That’s 5 more than he played in his last two seasons combined.

A little more than halfway through the 2025-26 campaign, Williams is averaging 6 points and 6.3 rebounds in 16 minutes per outing. The Blazers are still taking it easy with him because of the knee surgery he underwent less than a year ago, explaining why he missed the second night of a back-to-back on Friday versus the Toronto Raptors.

Williams, or “Timelord,” as he’s affectionately known in Boston, isn’t the only name Celtics fans will be familiar with. Blazers guard Jrue Holiday is set to play his first game against the C’s since winning a title with them in 2024. Ironically, Holiday was part of the trade package that initially sent Williams to Rose City.

The two former Green Teamers will surely be welcomed back to Boston with open arms and long applause — honors not every ex-Celtic receives.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Blazers’ Robert Williams set to play Celtics for the first time since 2023 trade