The Celtics have three total starters listed on their injury report ahead of their 5 p.m. Saturday game against the Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown (low back spasms) and Neemias Queta (left ankle sprain) are both questionable. Derrick White (right calf contusion) is probable. Jayson Tatum also remains out with his Achilles rehab.
Brown and White are the two new additions to the injury report. Both starters have yet to miss a game this season. Queta’s status is the important one because he missed the Celtics’ win over the Pistons. It was the first time the Celtics played without their starting center this year, though they still beat the team at the top of the East standings.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Queta’s injury was day-to-day, so nothing too serious or long-term. Queta hurt his ankle early in the win over the Magic on Nov. 23. The fact that Queta is questionable is also a good sign that he should be nearing his return, even if he’s not Saturday’s game.
If Queta is unable to play, the Celtics have a number of options when it comes to the minutes. Luka Garza got the start against the Pistons while two-way big man Amari Williams also got rotation minutes. If the C’s go small, they could rely on a mix of Chris Boucher, Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott at the five.
The Celtics have an important back-to-back coming up against the Wolves on Saturday then the Cavaliers on Sunday. Those are both likely playoff teams. The C’s go into the Wolves game at 10-8, fresh off their best win of the season against Detroit.