Celtics Face Challenges Without Key Player Neemias Queta

Boston, MA – The Boston Celtics may face significant challenges as center Neemias Queta has been ruled out with a sprained left ankle. Coach Joe Mazzulla described Queta as day-to-day ahead of their upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons on Thanksgiving Eve.

Queta’s absence is notable, especially considering his impressive performance in the first 17 games of the 2025-26 season. The Celtics have a stark contrast in their performance with and without him: they have outscored opponents by 16.8 points per 100 possessions while Queta is on the court, while they have been outscored by 6.3 points when he is off the floor.

“We play our best basketball when Neemias is in the game,” Mazzulla said. “His size and presence affect both our rebounding and defense.” This season, the Celtics’ defensive rating has dropped significantly without Queta, underscoring his value.

In their last game, the Celtics managed to secure a 138-129 victory against the Orlando Magic, despite operating without Queta. They relied heavily on small-ball lineups, featuring Josh Minott in the center position, which proved effective against Orlando’s depleted roster.

Boston built a significant lead in the first half and took advantage of their smaller lineup, as Minott contributed 16 points with seven rebounds in just under 20 minutes of play.

Should Queta’s recovery take longer, the Celtics may need to reconsider their options regarding their frontcourt lineup. They could opt to continue with a smaller lineup or recall two-way player Amari Williams, who has been performing well in the G League.

As they prepare for the Pistons, who are riding a 13-game winning streak, the Celtics will need to strategize without Queta’s key contributions. The matchup is crucial, both for the NBA Cup standings and to challenge the Pistons’ recent dominance.