The Celtics got surprise contributions from two-way center [Amari Williams on Friday night in Brooklyn](https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2026/01/celtics-two-way-center-delivers-stunning-overtime-performance-vs-nets.html) and want to see more from the rookie on Saturday night in Chicago. Joe Mazzulla is starting Williams at center for the first time in his career against Chicago for the tail end of a back-to-back.
Neemias Queta is listed as available for Boston despite being listed on the injury report due to illness. However, it would not be a shocker to see his minutes limited in some form coming off a back-to-back game in Brooklyn. Luka Garza is also available at center but appears to be set to stay in his usual reserve role.
Williams has spent the majority of his season with the Maine Celtics but played the final five minutes of Boston’s double overtime win over the Nets on Friday night. He finished with three points, an assist and a key block in the victory, earning him plenty of accolades after the win. He performed well despite flying into New York shortly before the game began.
“I flew in two hours before from Maine,” [Williams told reporters in Brooklyn via CLNS Media](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il6G-iy7-iM). “I did the shootaround this morning, thought I was going to play there tonight. Neemi wasn’t feeling great, so I flew in today. Just trying to be ready for whatever. You don’t really know until you get here if you are going to suit up or not, so just getting ready for whatever.”
The 23-year-old has appeared in just 52 minutes over nine games for Boston this season but will be adding heavily to that total on Saturday night.