The Boston Celtics are preparing for Detroit without their starting center. Neemias Queta sprained his left ankle in the first quarter on Sunday and hasn’t practiced since. He was ruled questionable that night, but by Tuesday, the Celtics confirmed what many expected — he will miss at least Wednesday’s matchup.
He did make a brief appearance at practice, walking across the court in sneakers before heading to the weight room. And while the team continues to evaluate the ankle, one key move has already been made.
The Celtics have officially called up two-way rookie Amari Williams, adding another big body to the bench for the trip to Detroit.
Injury Report for tomorrow vs. DET:
Neemias Queta (left ankle sprain) – OUT
Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair) – OUT— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 25, 2025
Why Queta’s Injury Hits Harder Than Expected
Queta wasn’t penciled in as the long-term starter when the season began, but he earned the job, and Boston has played its best basketball with him on the floor. He’s averaging 9.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, and the Celtics have outscored teams by over 16 points per 100 possessions in his minutes. When he sits, that number flips to a minus-six.
The defensive swing alone tells the story. With Queta, Boston looks organized and physical. Without him, gaps appear quickly.
Derrick White summed it up perfectly when asked how the team will adjust without their starting big man.
“We don’t really have a guy that can replace what Queta does for us,” White told CLNS Media. “It’s gotta be a group effort — X, Luka, Chris… we’re gonna need a lot from them. Hopefully he comes back as quickly as possible.”
That group effort begins immediately.
White on Queta's (ankle) injury/moving on without him: "We don't really have a guy that can replace what (Queta) does for us. It's gotta be a group effort, X, Luka, Chris … we're gonna need a lot from them."
"Hopefully he comes back as quickly as possible."
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/8zgzDJNkZk
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) November 25, 2025
How the Celtics Will Replace His Minutes
Joe Mazzulla has several directions he can go.
Luka Garza has been the steady backup, offering touch, size, and scoring in short bursts. Chris Boucher brings energy, length and a veteran presence that stabilizes second units. And Xavier Tillman has been used situationally to start the year.
Josh Minott could also see spot minutes at the small-ball five after flashing real impact against Orlando. His speed and activity give Boston a change-of-pace look that can bend matchups in the right situations.
None replicate Queta’s exact profile, but together, they can keep Boston afloat.
And now, there’s one more option available.
Amari Williams has been activated from the Maine Celtics and will be join the Celtics roster in Boston tomorrow pic.twitter.com/Mq6R9QsgZv
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) November 25, 2025
What Amari Williams Brings to the Call-Up
Amari Williams has been one of Maine’s most intriguing early-season performers. Listed at 6-foot-11 with mobility and vision, he’s averaging 12.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and nearly 2 blocks through seven G League games while shooting over 64% from the field.
His passing stands out immediately. He’s comfortable operating in delay actions, handling short-roll reads, and keeping the offense moving. Rare traits for a rookie big.
Minutes aren’t guaranteed, but the call-up itself is notable. It signals that Boston wanted an extra big man available, and that Williams is the next-in-line developmental piece if the frontcourt gets stretched thinner than expected.
Looking Ahead for the Boston Celtics
The Celtics still haven’t set a timeline for Queta’s return. The lack of swelling and the questionable tag were encouraging signs, but his availability will be evaluated day by day.
Until then, Boston will rely on a collective approach. Garza, Boucher, and Tillman will absorb most of the responsibility. Minott may get matchup-dependent minutes at the five. And Williams now steps into the emergency role behind them all.
The margins have been thin all season.
Queta’s injury only makes that more obvious.
And until he’s back, the Celtics will have to navigate one of their most delicate stretches with a frontcourt rotation built on flexibility, effort and whoever is ready when their number is called.
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