The Celtics may be without their starting center on Monday night but also could get a boost off their bench when they host the Blazers at TD Garden. The team listed Neemias Queta as questionable for the matchup due to illness. It’s the second straight game on the injury report for Queta. He ended up coming off the bench for the first time all season in Saturday’s loss to the Bulls but ended up playing 24 minutes on the back-to-back. Two-way center Amari Williams got the start over Queta for the matchup but only played 10 minutes.
The Celtics also got some encouraging news on Sunday with reserve forward Josh Minott upgraded to questionable for the matchup. The 23-year-old has not played since Jan. 3 due to a sprained ankle. He had fallen out of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation before his injury but could see some opportunity upon returning to full health. Minott is posting career-highs of 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 29 appearances for Boston this year, including 10 starts.
Boston will be going up against a Portland squad that is dealing with a host of key injuries. Leading scorer Deni Avdija is questionable due to a lower back strain and former Celtics Robert Williams is also questionable due to a knee injury. Monday would be the first time Williams will face his former team after he was traded in September 2023 as part of the Jrue Holiday trade.
Holiday is not listed on the injury report for Portland so he will suit up against Boston after missing last month’s game due to a calf injury. Boston traded away Holiday in exchange for Anfernee Simons back in July. Portland won December’s matchup against Boston 114-108 after a fourth quarter rally.
The Celtics and Blazers (weather permitting) will face off at 8 p.m. at TD Garden on Monday night.