Neemias

Queta

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.

Queta has had an awesome season, but he hasn’t done much in this series. However, he reached double-digit rebounds for the first time in the series, though it wasn’t enough for the Celtics to close it out. Queta will continue to start and play a significant role, but his impact will likely continue to be limited.

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.

Queta was initially listed as probable for this game, and now he has officially been cleared to suit up. He’ll occupy his typical spot in the starting unit for Boston as they look to lock up the second seed in the East.

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.

Queta came through with another quality effort on Sunday, shooting 90 percent from the field. The four assists were the most in a game for him since March 27, when the Celtics center recorded five in a win over the Hawks. Add in the rebounds and blocks, and this was a good finish to Week 23 for Queta and those rostering the 7-footer. For those whose leagues will be active in Week 24, the Celtics play four games.

After totaling two double-doubles in his first four NBA seasons, Queta recorded his 16th of the 2025-26 campaign on Friday. While there are more prolific options for Most Improved Player honors, the strides that the Celtics’ center has made should not be overlooked. In addition to 19 points and 10 rebounds, Queta recorded four blocks in Friday’s rout of the Bucks. He’ll look to end Week 23 on a high note when the Celtics host the Raptors on Sunday.