Boston Celtics' Robert Williams intends to play limited minutes in Game 3 vs. Brooklyn Nets, sources say

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III intends to make a return in limited minutes for Game 3 vs. Brooklyn on Saturday — with an intention of escalating his minutes in Game 4 on Monday, sources told ESPN.

The plan is contingent on Williams' left knee remaining pain-free prior to Saturday's Game 3 against the Nets, sources said.

The Celtics lead the Nets 2-0 in the best of seven first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Williams underwent meniscus surgery on his left knee March 30, and he intends to return after consecutive pain-free practices of 5-on-5 with the Celtics.

He has been an immense part of the NBA's best defense and hottest team over the final months of the regular season. He was No. 1 among 169 players who've defended 500-plus shots as the closest defender, per Second Spectrum tracking. Only Williams has held opponents under 40% shooting.

Williams, who signed a new four-year, $52 million extension in the offseason, averaged 10 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks this season. He's shot 73% from the floor.