BOSTON — While the Celtics have been relatively injury-free to open the season, they did hit a snag Sunday in their win over the Magic. Starting big man Neemias Queta was forced to leave the game midway through the first quarter with a left ankle sprain.
Queta never returned to Sunday’s game after playing in six minutes. It’s unclear what his status is going forward. Queta limped to the locker room after turning his left ankle, though he did walk under his own power. Regardless, it’s an important injury if Queta is forced to miss any time as the Celtics will have to make adjustments.
The Celtics already tweaked their rotation Sunday to account for Queta missing the majority of the night. Josh Minott, Jordan Walsh and Chris Boucher got some form of minutes at the five, though part of that was the Magic also going small with their lineups.
“They’re just continuing to get reps, different possessions,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I thought Josh gave us some great stuff. Just his ability to shoot tonight, and also he did a great job screening. I think Jordan’s getting better and better, regardless of where he plays. So we’ve just got to keep chipping away at those two guys. They’ve got a chance to really help us, and they’re getting better and better each game.”
The center spot was the biggest question mark for the Celtics going into this season as they lost three rotation players. But Queta has stepped up in the starting role as he’s been one of the breakout guys this season. It’s why it would be a significant blow if Queta is forced to sit any games.
Luka Garza has been a primary backup if the Celtics need a big body in the paint. Garza brings an element of size and he’s put up solid counting stats, though his defense is a question mark. Xavier Tillman is another big man option, though he’s fallen out of the rotation to start the season.
“I’d say just understanding the switch from being a four to going to the five, defensive coverage-wise and stuff like that,” Minott said. “Understanding when to switch when we’re in a touch, drop, all that. So, it’s just that mental switch.”
The Celtics have options, though matchups are a huge part of the equation. Both teams went small down the stretch Sunday as the scoring went up. The Celtics fended off the Magic’s comeback attempt down the stretch.
A lot will depend on Queta’s status going forward. Mazzulla didn’t have an update following Sunday’s victory. Fortunately, the Celtics do have a lean stretch of games coming up, giving Queta time to rest the ankle if it’s serious. The C’s play one game in the next five days, which is against the Pistons at 5 p.m. Wednesday at TD Garden.
“Always advantages and disadvantages,” Mazzulla said of playing small. “The advantage is the speed that we could play with on the offensive end, the dribble drives, the pace that we can create. Defensively, we could pressure a little bit more. Obviously there are disadvantages. But I think you play faster, so you’re just managing the sub patterns because I think obviously you exert more energy.”
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