Theis talks up abilities of Time Lord as he steps into starting role

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Daniel Theis has taken on added importance in his second stint with the Boston Celtics.

Initially acquired from the Houston Rockets in the deal which sent Dennis Schroder out of town in February to serve as frontcourt depth, Theis is suddenly back in the starting lineup following the injury to Robert Williams III.

Theis has started one of two games since Time Lord tore his meniscus, an injury which could sideline him for at least four weeks. Coming off the bench Wednesday against the Miami Heat, Theis made all six of his attempts from the field in 17 minutes, a game after recording his first double-double since returning to the Celtics (13 points, 10 rebounds) in 41 minutes against the Toronto Raptors.

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The Celtics are 0-2 since Time Lord's injury, however, as Theis noted that everyone on the team has to step it up a notch.

"Nobody does what Rob does," Theis said. "In case there's a mistake, having him as a rim protector behind you...it's different."

Williams has made an impact on both sides of the floor for the Celtics in his fourth NBA season. He's currently seventh in the NBA in defensive rating (103.4) and sixth in net rating (10), leading the league in true shooting percentage, per NBA.com (74.5) and is second in blocks per game (2.2).

"I don't think there's anybody in the league who can do the things he does," Theis said.

The 6-foot-8 Theis is Boston's best option at center until Time Lord returns, so all eyes will be on him as the regular season winds down and the postseason nears.

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