The Boston Celtics’ injury report has been a revolving door lately, and Friday morning brought another twist. Starting center Neemias Queta was listed as questionable due to a non-COVID illness, adding to a growing list that already includes Derrick White (rest), Josh Minott (sprained ankle), and Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined as he rehabs a torn Achilles.
Queta’s potential absence is more than just a line item-it’s a real concern for a Celtics frontcourt that’s already been tested this season. Boston came into the year with questions about its depth at center, and while those concerns have eased thanks to Queta’s emergence, they haven’t disappeared entirely.
To say Queta has stepped up would be an understatement. After spending last season buried on the depth chart, the Portuguese big man has become a reliable presence in the starting lineup. Through 41 starts, he’s averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 boards, and 1.3 blocks per game-numbers that reflect both his consistency and his impact on both ends of the floor.
And it’s not just about the box score. Just last game, Queta turned the paint into a no-fly zone, recording five blocks against the Indiana Pacers.
Earlier this month, he grabbed 20 rebounds-split evenly between offensive and defensive-in a matchup with the Denver Nuggets. That stat line put him in elite company, making him the first Celtic since Robert Parish to notch 10 offensive and 10 defensive boards in a single game.
That’s not just production-that’s history.
With that kind of leap, it’s no surprise Queta is drawing buzz for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He’s gone from fourth-string to foundational, and his presence has become a stabilizing force for a team with championship aspirations.
But if Queta can’t go Friday night against the Nets, the Celtics will need to turn to Luka Garza-and lately, that hasn’t been a bad thing.
Since re-entering the rotation on December 20, Garza has made the most of his minutes. Over his last 15 games, he’s averaging 9.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting an eye-popping 60.4% from the field and 50% from deep.
That kind of efficiency, especially from a big man, gives Boston’s offense a different dimension. He’s a smart screener, a willing rebounder, and he’s been creating second-chance opportunities with his work on the offensive glass.
The only real knock on Garza right now is foul trouble. It’s been a recurring issue, and it limited his minutes in Monday’s loss to the Pistons.
If he can stay on the floor, he’s more than capable of holding down the fort. But if the whistles come early, head coach Joe Mazzulla may have to dig a little deeper into the bench.
That could mean minutes for Xavier Tillman Sr., a rugged defender with playoff experience, or rookie Amari Williams, who’s still finding his footing but has flashed potential in limited action.
The Celtics have managed to weather the storm so far this season, leaning on depth, development, and a next-man-up mentality. With Tatum still out and Queta now uncertain, that mindset will be tested again Friday night. But if recent performances are any indication, Boston’s bigs are ready to answer the call-foul trouble and all.