The Boston Celtics picked up their 27th win of the season on Wednesday night, taking down the Indiana Pacers 119-104 in a game that showcased more than just their offensive firepower. The victory marked another step forward for big man Neemias Queta, whose defensive presence is quietly becoming a key ingredient in one of the league’s stingiest defenses - a unit currently allowing the second-fewest points per game.
Queta, still finding his rhythm in Boston’s system, is starting to put the pieces together. “Everything’s becoming more clear for me, and I’m getting better at it,” he said postgame, speaking to the growing confidence in his ability to pair his natural tools - size, length, and athleticism - with a more refined, disciplined approach as a rim protector. His timing is improving, his positioning is sharper, and he’s beginning to look like a guy who belongs in the rotation of a contender.
Wednesday also gave the Celtics a chance to ease the load on Derrick White, who’s been logging heavy minutes all season. Entering the matchup, the 31-year-old guard had played more minutes than anyone else on the roster - 62.1 more than Payton Pritchard, the next closest in floor time. That kind of workload adds up, especially for a player tasked with doing a little bit of everything on both ends of the court.
White didn’t sit out against Indiana, but Boston has already ruled him out for Friday’s road game in Brooklyn. That gives him a two-day breather before a possible return Saturday against the Bulls. Sure, it’s not the three-day break he could’ve had if he’d rested Wednesday, but even a short recharge can make a difference for a ninth-year vet who’s been grinding all season.
As for the Celtics’ injury report heading into Brooklyn, it remains relatively light but not without notable names.
Josh Minott will miss his tenth straight game with a left ankle sprain. The fourth-year wing had already fallen out of the regular rotation before the injury, appearing in just one of the five games prior to his absence.
Still, in limited minutes this season, he’s been efficient - averaging 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, nearly a steal per game, and shooting over 50% from the field. His return won’t shake up the rotation, but depth always matters over the course of a long season.
Then there’s Jayson Tatum. The four-time All-NBA First Team forward is still working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon, but he gave fans and media a glimpse of what’s to come with a full-on on-court workout ahead of Boston’s Martin Luther King Jr.
Day matchup against Detroit. This wasn’t just a light shootaround - Tatum went through the paces of a full session, including ball handling, screening, shooting, and even some emphatic dunks.
He looked fluid. He looked confident. And most importantly, he didn’t look limited.
Tatum isn’t ready to suit up just yet, but the workout was a clear signal: he’s making real progress, and barring setbacks, all signs point to a return later this season. For a Celtics team with championship aspirations, that’s the kind of news that can shift a season’s trajectory.
In the meantime, Boston continues to show why it’s one of the most well-rounded teams in the league - with a defense anchored by emerging contributors like Queta, savvy veteran management with guys like White, and the looming return of their franchise cornerstone.