Neemias Queta was downgraded to day-to-day on Boston's injury report Friday with a rest issue and will sit out the preseason finale against the 76ers. His absence leaves the Celtics thin at center, with Mitchell Robinson also listed day-to-day for the same game.
What happened
Neemias Queta was listed as day-to-day on the Celtics' injury report Friday at 7:15 PM ET, with the issue marked rest - other. Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports Queta will not participate in Friday's preseason finale against the 76ers. Queta carried the same rest-other designation on Oct. 8, was cleared from day-to-day on Oct. 10, then returned to the report Friday. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 20.
What it means for the Celtics
Friday's game against the 76ers is Boston's preseason finale, the last tune-up before the 2026-27 regular season opens. Queta averaged 25.3 minutes, 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds over 76 games last season, and without him on the floor, Nikola Vucevic has logged 21.1 minutes and 9.7 points in the rotation. Mitchell Robinson, the other center on the roster, is also day-to-day for Friday's game. The Celtics are 0-0 with the regular season not yet underway, so there is no record to cite with or without Queta this year.
What to watch
The injury report lists Oct. 20 as Queta's expected return. Boston's next injury report will show whether that timeline holds as the team moves from its preseason finale into the start of the 2026-27 regular season. Mitchell Robinson's status at center is also worth tracking, since both bigs were day-to-day for the 76ers game.
Is Neemias Queta playing vs 76ers?
No. He was listed day-to-day with a rest issue on Friday's injury report and will not play in the preseason finale against the 76ers.
When will Neemias Queta be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 20.