Neemias

Queta

Mitchell Robinson (rest) did not play in the first game of Boston’s road back-to-back, so Queta started at center. While he didn’t offer much scoring, the 7-footer was effective on the glass and as a rim protector. On offense, the Celtics got solid contributions from Luka Garza, who finished with 10 points, two rebounds, one assist, and two three-pointers. Boston visits Houston on Monday, and Robinson should return to the starting lineup.

Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many days for the Celtics, who visit the Rockets on Monday. As a result, Mitchell Robinson (rest) will sit, and Queta will replace him in the starting lineup. Luka Garza should pick up additional minutes off the bench.

Boston plays on Sunday and Monday, so Robinson sitting is not a major surprise. Neemias Queta is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup, and Luka Garza’s playing time is likely to increase.

The Celtics’ minutes split at center is worth tracking early in this season. Queta once again came off the bench on Friday, playing as many minutes (22) as starter Mitchell Robinson (four points, four rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot). Queta still had a good night, showing why fantasy managers should not give up on him. While he may not play starters’ minutes, Queta can still offer value in a reserve role.

Robinson got the starting nod in his debut for the Celtics, but, as expected, he didn’t dominate the minutes. Neemias Queta played 22 minutes off the bench, and Luka Garza logged eight minutes, leaving Robinson with the other 18. It’s absolutely worth noting that Robinson injured his ankle in this game and was seen icing it after, though Joe Mazzulla downplayed the severity. If Robinson ends up missing any time, Queta will likely slide back into the starting lineup.

White, George and Tatum were all locks for the starting lineup, but the remaining two spots were up for grabs. Walsh will slot into the final wing spot, and Robinson will replace Neemias Queta as the starting center. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla experimented with lineups throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and that may be the case in 2026-27.

After coming off the bench in his first preseason appearances as a Celtic, Robinson started on Wednesday. The 7-footer had an excellent night, not missing a shot from the field or the foul line while also blocking three shots. Neemias Queta (16 points, one rebound and one assist) still played more, logging 24 minutes to Robinson’s 17. At times, the two shared the court in a big lineup, with Queta sliding up to power forward. As long as he’s available, Robinson should get the minutes needed to provide late-round value, especially for managers punting free-throw percentage.

After spending the first eight seasons of his NBA career with the Knicks, Robinson moved north and signed with the Celtics in free agency. One question for the 7-footer is how much he’ll be able to play after ankle issues limited his minutes in each of his final three seasons with the Knicks. Robinson, likely to serve as Neemias Queta’s backup, expressed confidence that he’ll be able to play more after averaging 19.6 minutes per game last season. “Oh, definitely. I feel very confident in myself,” Robinson said. “I’ve been working on my body this whole summer. Figuring things out. And I’m very confident in myself right now.” If he can get his playing time into the mid-20s, that would make Robinson a viable option for fantasy managers, especially those willing to punt free-throw percentage. However, Queta’s presence does limit Robinson’s fantasy ceiling.

Queta enjoyed a breakout season for Boston last year, averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. That was enough for him to earn a contract that will keep him around until for the remainder of the decade. The Celtics added Mitchell Robinson this summer, so Queta will likely split the minutes down low with him, though Queta should be the incumbent starter. He was a top-75 player in nine-category scoring last season in just 25.3 minutes per game, which is certainly a realistic role for him to play while splitting minutes with Robinson.

Removed from the starting lineup for Game 7, Queta had his most productive game of the series on Saturday. The Celtics’ center’s 17 points were a playoff career high, and he hit double digits in rebounds for the third consecutive game. Thrust into a more prominent role this season following the departures of Kristaps Porziņǵis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Queta rewarded fantasy managers with a top-100 regular season. He has a team option for next season worth just under $2.7 million, so it feels as if the chances of Queta remaining in Boston are high. However, the inconsistent offensive production may prompt the Celtics also to look to upgrade at center via free agency or the trade market.