The Celtics have a new-look, unorthodox starting lineup against the Rockets on Wednesday due to injuries and availability issues. Derrick White and Neemias Queta are joined by Ron Harper Jr., Baylor Scheierman and Luka Garza in the starting lineup in Houston.
Jaylen Brown (hamstring, knee) and Sam Hauser (thumb) are both out for Wednesday’s game. Payton Pritchard will also come off the bench for the second straight game.
With Anfernee Simons unavailable after getting traded Tuesday, the Celtics are keeping Pritchard in a reserve role to split up his minutes with White.
Harper gets his first career start in the NBA, enjoying a stellar season in the G League with the Maine Celtics. The two-way wing has seen spot minutes for the Celtics this season. He most recently played in the double overtime win over the Nets back on Jan. 23.
Another wrinkle to the starting lineup is playing both Garza and Queta. The Rockets are one of the top rebounding teams in the league, so the Celtics are countering with an influx of size. Garza and Queta haven’t played together throughout this season, so it’s a curveball from Boston’s side.
The Celtics beat the Mavericks on Tuesday in Dallas, so they’re on the second game of a back-to-back Wednesday in Houston. With no Brown, it’ll be an uphill battle for the Celtics. The Rockets are currently 31-17 on the season.