What It Means:

Williams is considered more likely to return to action on Thursday than on Tuesday, but whichever night it is, the 25-year-old is now very close to making his season debut after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in September. It will likely take some time for him to build up to a full workload, but his return will likely cut into the minutes available for Alex Len and Tyson Chandler.

Williams turned in some efficient numbers in 47 contests last season, averaging 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in only 15.1 minutes per game.