Luka Garza scores game-high 22 points vs. Cavs

With Neemias Queta being removed from the starting lineup for Game 7, this appeared to be a spot in which Vučević would have an opportunity to start on Saturday. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla decided to go with Luka Garza, who played nine minutes and recorded just one blocked shot. Vučević’s production was limited throughout the series, which led to him not playing at all in Game 7. When allowed to start and log heavy minutes, as he did in Chicago, Vučević has been a positive fantasy asset in recent seasons. However, the limited production after being traded to Boston may affect his market in free agency this summer. Vooch has top-50 potential as a starter, but that kind of role may not be available to him at this stage. At least for a team with championship aspirations.

Jayson Tatum (knee) is out for Saturday’s series decider, but his absence has forced just one of three changes to the Celtics’ starting lineup. Scheierman moves into the starting lineup, with the additions of Harper and Garza pushing Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta to the bench.

Garza got the starting nod in Game 82 with the Celtics already locked in as the No. 2 seed in the East. He set new season highs for points and rebounds while recording his second double-double of the year. Garza has been a solid rotation piece, which has led to this being the most productive season of his career. However, with the Celtics healthy entering the playoffs, his role will be limited during the postseason.

The Celtics have already ruled out four of their five starters for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as the outcome will not impact their playoff seeding. White’s absence should free up additional minutes for Ron Harper Jr. and Max Shulga. As for Queta, there will be more playing time available for Luka Garza, and Amari Williams could get rotation minutes as well.

Hauser is dealing with lower back spasms, and Queta has a sprained right great toe. The latter’s absence would free up rotation minutes for Luka Garza and Nikola Vučević, and Vooch could use a few more minutes as he shakes off the rust following an extended absence due to a fractured hand. Hauser sitting out opens up playing time for Ron Harper Jr.

Available for the first time since March 6, Vučević appeared a bit rusty on Sunday. Obviously, plus/minus does not tell the complete story for any player, but the veteran center was a minus-14 in 13 minutes of play. Luka Garza, who filled in admirably as the backup center in Vučević’s absence, was a DNP-CD on Sunday. Boston has four games remaining in the regular season, so Vučević will have time to get into a groove before the playoffs.

Sunday’s game will be the first for Vučević since March 6, when he fractured his finger during a game against the Mavericks. His return likely means fewer minutes for Luka Garza.

With Vučević’s status change for Sunday’s game, there is a real chance he gets in a few games before the playoffs. That would help remove some of the rust that the veteran center may be dealing with. Luka Garza has served as the backup center, but that will clearly change once Vooch is healthy enough to play.

Back in the lineup after sitting out Monday’s win over the Hawks, Queta finished Wednesday’s victory with his 15th double-double of the season. Add in the assists and blocks, and this was a good night for those rostering the Celtics’ starting center. Luka Garza, who started on Monday, played 15 minutes in Miami, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, one block and two three-pointers. Boston does not have another back-to-back in Week 23, so the roles of Queta and Garza should remain the same.

Queta missed Monday’s game against Atlanta, but he will return to take on Miami. Luka Garza scored 20 points as a starter in his place, but he will return to playing a limited role off the bench with Queta available.