The Celtics and Hawks will both be shorthanded in the frontcourt when they meet Wednesday night at TD Garden, with key big men sidelined on both sides due to illness and injury.
Boston officially ruled out starting center Neemias Queta on Wednesday afternoon. Queta had been listed as doubtful with an illness he’s been battling since late last week, but still managed to suit up for the Celtics’ recent three-game stretch against Brooklyn, Chicago, and Portland. This will mark just his third missed game of the season - a testament to his durability and willingness to play through discomfort.
With Queta out, the Celtics will lean more heavily on Luka Garza, who has been cleared to return after missing Monday’s win over the Trail Blazers due to his own illness. Garza was upgraded from questionable to available and is expected to share center duties with rookie Amari Williams.
Williams, a two-way player who’s spent most of the season developing in the G League, made the most of his opportunity on Monday. He posted career highs across the board - nine points, seven rebounds, and 26 minutes - in a performance that earned praise from veteran teammate Jaylen Brown, who called the rookie’s outing “exceptional.” It was a strong showing for the young big, and he’ll get another chance to prove himself against a Hawks team that’s also dealing with its own frontcourt absences.
Atlanta will be without Kristaps Porzingis, who’s missing his 10th straight game due to Achilles tendonitis. This game was circled as a potential homecoming for Porzingis, who helped Boston win the 2024 NBA title before being traded to the Hawks in the offseason.
Instead, his return to TD Garden will have to wait. He also missed the previous matchup between these two teams on January 17, when the Celtics rolled to a 132-106 win in Atlanta.
The Hawks are also down forward Zaccharie Risacher, who’s out with a knee issue. The rookie has shown flashes this season, but won’t be available for the 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
So, while both teams are missing some size, the spotlight shifts to the next men up - and for Boston, that means another look at a promising young big in Williams and a chance for Garza to re-establish his presence in the rotation.