Neemias Queta Sits Out as Celtics Lean on Depth in Upcoming Clash with Hawks
BOSTON - After pushing through three straight games while battling a non-COVID illness, Neemias Queta is finally getting a night off. The Celtics big man, who’s been on the injury report since Friday’s matchup with Brooklyn, will sit out Wednesday as he continues to recover.
Queta’s been a steady presence in the Celtics’ rotation this season, averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds while shooting an efficient 64.4% from the field in just under 25 minutes per game. But the illness has clearly taken a toll. Over the last three games, his production has dipped to 5.3 points and 4 boards a night - a noticeable drop for someone who’s been a reliable contributor off the bench.
With Queta sidelined, Boston’s frontcourt rotation gets a bit more interesting. Luka Garza, who missed Monday’s game against Portland due to illness, is back in the mix and figures to see an uptick in minutes.
Garza’s been solid in limited action this season, averaging 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.5 minutes per game, while shooting a strong 58.6% from the field and an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor adds a different dynamic to the Celtics’ big-man rotation.
Also stepping into the spotlight is two-way rookie Amari Williams, who’s quietly been carving out a role. Williams logged a career-high 26 minutes on Monday and made the most of the opportunity, posting career bests across the board with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. It was a breakout performance that didn’t go unnoticed.
“I thought Amari did a great job today,” Jaylen Brown said postgame. “He came out, protected the rim, and was where he was supposed to be for the most part. Amari made it easy for us tonight, but any given night - depending on how the team is playing us - that communication has to be great.”
Williams’ development has been a quiet storyline this season, but with Queta out and frontcourt depth being tested, the rookie could be in line for another extended look. His defensive instincts and energy around the rim have already earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Outside of Queta, the Celtics’ injury report remains relatively clean. Jayson Tatum is still rehabbing a torn Achilles, while Josh Minott - who recently returned from a three-week absence due to an ankle sprain - was a DNP on Monday but is no longer listed on the report.
On the other side, the Hawks will be without several key pieces. Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendonitis), Zaccharie Risacher (left knee bone contusion), and N’Faly Dante (right knee torn ACL) are all out. Porzingis, notably, didn’t travel with the team to Boston.
With both teams dealing with injuries, depth and adaptability will be the name of the game. For Boston, that means trusting young players like Williams and leaning on versatile bigs like Garza to keep things rolling. It’s another test of the Celtics’ next-man-up mentality - one they’ve passed more often than not this season.