Amari Williams Making His Case in Boston’s Frontcourt
Over the past few games, Amari Williams has gone from a footnote in the box score to a name worth watching in the Celtics’ rotation. After logging just five minutes against Brooklyn and ten the next night in Chicago, the rookie big man got a real shot against the Portland Trail Blazers-and he made the most of it. In 26 minutes of action, Williams posted nine points, seven boards, and two blocks, flashing the kind of two-way potential that tends to turn heads in a tightly contested rotation.
Joe Mazzulla has preached a “next man up” mentality all season, and with Neemias Queta sidelined by illness, Williams stepped into the opportunity and didn’t blink. His defensive instincts stood out immediately-he’s active in help situations, contests shots without fouling, and shows good timing around the rim.
Offensively, he kept things simple, finishing plays and staying within the flow of the offense. Nothing flashy, but nothing forced either.
There were even shades of Robert Williams III in his game-those quick-twitch reactions, the vertical spacing, the way he covers ground defensively. Maybe it’s the matchup that brought it out-after all, he was going head-to-head with the original Time Lord-but the similarities were hard to miss.
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Williams isn’t suddenly a fixture in the Celtics’ rotation.
He’s still developing, much of it quietly up in Maine with the G League squad. But what he’s shown in limited NBA minutes is promising.
And with Boston’s frontcourt depth occasionally tested by injuries or illness, it’s clear that Williams needs to stay ready. He’s earned at least a longer look when the situation calls for it.
Can the Celtics Cool Off the Hawks?
Boston’s next challenge comes in the form of a surging Atlanta Hawks team that’s riding a three-game win streak. They’ve recently taken down the Grizzlies, Suns, and Pacers, and they’ve done it with a balanced attack. But make no mistake-Jalen Johnson is the engine.
Johnson is doing a bit of everything for Atlanta right now. He’s leading the team in points (23 per game), rebounds (10.4), and assists (7.9), while shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field and a respectable 35% from deep. He’s become the kind of player who forces defenses to adjust, not just with his scoring, but with his ability to create and rebound.
The good news for Boston? They’ve already shown they can contain him.
In their earlier meeting this month, the Celtics held Johnson to 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while forcing him into four turnovers. That kind of defensive effort-disrupting his rhythm without overcommitting-will be key again if Boston wants to halt Atlanta’s momentum.
Another name to keep an eye on is Onyeka Okongwu. He led the Hawks with 21 points in that last matchup and has continued to produce, dropping 25 on 9-of-15 shooting against Phoenix.
With Kristaps Porzingis in and out of the lineup, Okongwu’s physicality and activity inside could be a real test for Boston’s interior defense. He’s not just cleaning up around the rim-he’s getting touches and making them count.
Will Hauser or Brown Catch Fire Again?
The last time these two teams met, it wasn’t just a Celtics win-it was a statement. Boston rolled to a 132-106 victory in Atlanta, and while Jaylen Brown’s 41-point performance was impressive, it was Sam Hauser’s night that stole the spotlight.
Hauser dropped 30 points, all from beyond the arc. That’s right-he attempted 21 threes, made 10 of them, and didn’t take a single shot inside the arc.
It was the kind of performance that makes you do a double take at the stat sheet. And when Hauser gets going early, especially when his first shot falls, it tends to snowball.
He’s a rhythm shooter, and when he finds that rhythm, it stretches defenses and opens up the floor for everyone else.
Don’t expect the Hawks to lose track of him again. Quinn Snyder is too sharp for that.
Whether it’s in transition or in the half court, Atlanta will be keyed in on Hauser’s movement. But that’s easier said than done-Boston’s offense is designed to create those looks, and Hauser has a knack for slipping into space.
As for Brown, his 41-point effort flew a little under the radar, but it shouldn’t have. He’s been consistently putting up 30-plus this season, and doing it with a blend of physicality, shot-making, and improved playmaking.
That night in Atlanta, it all came together in his hometown. If he and Hauser both find their groove again, the Celtics could be in for another big night offensively.
Final Thought
Boston’s depth continues to be one of its biggest strengths, and Amari Williams is the latest example of how that depth can pay off. Whether it’s a rookie seizing a chance, a sharpshooter catching fire, or a star quietly dominating, the Celtics have weapons across the board.
Wednesday’s matchup with Atlanta won’t be easy-the Hawks are playing with confidence-but Boston has the tools to meet the moment. Keep an eye on the frontcourt rotation, the defensive game plan on Johnson and Okongwu, and whether Hauser or Brown can light it up again.
This one has the makings of a fun midseason battle.