Nikola Vučević posts 13/7/2/2 line vs. Miami

The offseason signing of Nikola Vučević hasn’t hurt Carter’s playing time, as Vooch has been third in Orlando’s center pecking order in the first two games. After logging 31 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, Carter played 29 minutes against the Timberwolves and led the Magic in points, rebounds, blocks, and three-pointers. He’s never been a great fantasy option, especially in category leagues, but Carter’s start to the season has been encouraging.

Vučević previously spent nine seasons with the Magic earlier in his career. More recently, the 35-year-old center saw his production fall off drastically after a midseason trade to the Celtics last season. Vučević’s playoff production was limited to the point where the Celtics benched him for Game 7 as they lost a series against the 76ers. Vooch was a top-50 player and a bonafide starter as recently as two years ago with the Bulls. With the Magic only paying him $3.9 million at this stage of his career, he could be ticketed for a lesser role in Orlando.

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.

Carter was one of Orlando’s most efficient players in Sunday’s win. In 37 minutes, he tied a team-high in assists, doing so without committing a turnover. Additionally, the veteran center missed just one of his nine shot attempts, was one of the team’s leading rebounders, and chipped in defensively with two stocks. Carter’s number wasn’t often called, but he seemed to always make a play when the situation called for one. He’ll have a chance to land strong production again in Wednesday’s Game 2.

Carter was nearly perfect from the floor in his 27 minutes on Friday, with two of his six makes coming from beyond the arc. The veteran center also made contributions on the glass, especially on the offensive side, where half of his boards came from. He wasn’t overly productive in the win, but he was a positive contributor. Carter will have a chance to have another on Sunday in Game 1 against the Pistons

Vučević will be sidelined for this game, as expected. The Celtics already clinched the No. 2 seed in the East, so he’ll get some extra rest before the playoffs. Amari Williams should play a significant role down low.

The Celtics, who secured the No. 2 seed in the East with Friday’s win over the Pelicans, will sit most of their key rotation players on Sunday. Pritchard and Hauser not playing would free up additional minutes for some of Boston’s rarely used perimeter reserves, including Ron Harper Jr. As for Vučević, his absence would open a spot in the rotation for Amari Williams.

Queta is good to go after initially being questionable for Thursday’s game. He’ll take on his usual role as the Celtics’ starting center, with Nikola Vučević serving as his backup.

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.

Carter and Cain are good to go after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The former will take on his usual duties as the starting center, while the latter may pick up some rotation minutes off the bench.