Overview
- Neemias Queta left Sunday’s win over the Magic with a left ankle sprain and did not return, and the team has not announced a recovery timeline.
- At Tuesday’s practice he briefly appeared walking in sneakers, though Joe Mazzulla said he still had no status update.
- Boston closed the Orlando game by alternating Chris Boucher at center and Josh Minott as a small-ball five, emphasizing pace and defensive pressure per Mazzulla.
- The small look was helped by Orlando missing Wendell Carter and Goga Bitadze, while upcoming opponents Detroit, Minnesota, Cleveland and New York present more size.
- Queta is averaging 9.3 points and 7.9 rebounds with elite on/off defensive impact this season, and minutes could shift to Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman and others if he misses time.