I have to think given how far medicine has advanced since the 1980s, the doctors wouldn't be letting TL play if there was any chance that he was going to aggravate his injury just by playing. No way McHale would have been playing on his foot today.
And as I was typing that, found this article -
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/09/sports/no-question-robert-williamss-determination-gutsy-play-has-made-big-difference/ - which says:
He underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus March 30 and returned on April 23, with the organization knowing the knee needed constant attention and would swell after games.
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Those “questionable” listings before each game are not gamesmanship. They’re legit. Williams has felt a variety of ways after games during the postseason, from extremely sore to somewhat nimble. Doctors have told the Celtics Williams cannot add further damage to the knee, so it’s a matter of pain.
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“At this point of the season it is what it is. We talked about it. But he doesn’t do a whole lot physically in between, so you don’t get a true sense until he really gets a good warmup,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. “The day after it feels OK at times. The second day sometimes it’s more sore. So it comes and goes. That’s why we’re being deliberate about listing him and really checking him out in case he feels worse.
“The swelling has been good. Pain has been tolerable. It’s a legit day-to-day situation, and when he ramps up before the game, that’s when we know how he really feels.”