Neemias Queta Injury Update
Neemias Queta picked up an ankle injury in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic and did not return. Unfortunately, that’s about as straightforward as it gets this time around.
When you see a seven-footer limp off during a timeout and head down the tunnel, it’s kind of a mood killer, even for a regular Sunday game.
The Celtics beat the Magic, sure, but the shadows in the post are getting long. Boston’s big-man situation was already thin.
This summer, Kristaps Porzingis was shipped off to Atlanta, Al Horford chased another run with the Warriors, and suddenly Queta, who’d spent most of last season grinding for minutes, looked destined for an expanded role.
Sometimes fate gives a guy his shot; sometimes, unfortunately, it gives him a limp. Not to get too poetic about it, but when a dude who’s already fighting for his NBA future has to call a first-quarter timeout for his body, you want to throw your arm around him, even if, at most, you’d only reach about halfway up his torso.
This is the stuff coaches hate and fans dread: a breakout candidate’s rise interrupted by a stray twist at the rim.
What Happened to Neemias?
Queta hurt himself contesting a play at the rim and limped out during a first-quarter huddle, so yeah, nothing subtle about it. The Celtics later confirmed it was a left ankle sprain. He was declared questionable to return but never saw the floor again that night.
The X post from Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) reported that Neemias Queta headed to the locker room after appearing to come up limping following a play at the rim. The update was brief but raised concern as the Celtics center exited the court shortly after the incident.
The specifics were classic NBA, vague, almost poetic: “lower body injury,” “questionable to return.” If you’ve watched enough basketball, you know a limping big man usually means he’s done for the night.
Stats-wise, he was efficient before he exited: 6 points (3-for-3 shooting) and 2 rebounds in just six minutes. But numbers feel kind of dry here. Celtics fans have seen enough patchwork center rotations these past years to know when the rug’s getting pulled out.
One media pal told me he saw Queta limping behind the bench, muttering under his breath, something about “timing.” Not sure if that’s true, but it sounds right.
What might sting a bit more? Boston has no room for frontcourt injuries. Chris Boucher and Luka Garza are, apparently, next men up. If this keeps up, it might just be “free pizza night for anyone who can play the five.”
A quick, slightly messy summary of the Celtics’ frontcourt depth chart right now:
- Kristaps Porzingis: Gone
- Al Horford: Gone
- Neemias Queta: Walking wounded
- Chris Boucher, Luka Garza: Come on down
On the bright side, Queta didn’t look devastated, just frustrated. That’s an oddly good sign; guys know when it’s season-ending, and this didn’t have that vibe.
When Will Neemias Be Back?
The honest answer? Nobody knows yet, but here’s what feels likely: he’ll get treatment for that sprained ankle and be listed “questionable” or “day-to-day” for at least the next couple of games.
The Celtics play Detroit on Wednesday; whether Queta gets back on the court probably comes down to morning shootaround and how that ankle feels after a night’s sleep.
NBA ankles are funny things. Sometimes a guy comes back two days later, sometimes it’s two weeks, and you still see him in street clothes. Queta doesn’t have a history of chronic ankle issues, so that’s a plus, but at his build, every sprain gets extra attention (and tape).
Here’s what’s certain: without Queta, Boston’s rotation at center gets tested. Chris Boucher and Luka Garza, both as hungry as anyone for NBA minutes, will try to step in, but neither provides the same kind of physical paint presence.
Celtics fans might want to start learning the names of Maine G League bigs, just in case. So, will Neemias Queta return for the next game? That’s up in the air (and left ankle).
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on available reports and observations at the time of writing and should not be taken as official medical or team-issued updates. Injury timelines, player availability, and team decisions may change as further evaluations are conducted. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Neemias Queta’s status, please refer to official announcements from the Boston Celtics, the NBA, or verified team reporters.
