Overview
- The Celtics listed Mitchell Robinson as questionable with an illness on Sunday but upgraded him to active just hours before tipoff, making his status a late game-time decision.
- Robinson came off the bench and produced a season-best performance, finishing perfect from the field with 12 points, seven rebounds and several defensive plays that energized the team.
- Coach Joe Mazzulla had planned to raise Luka Garza’s minutes if Robinson was ruled out, and Garza remains the primary internal option to absorb extra frontcourt time when needed.
- Neemias Queta has already taken starts this season and continues to anchor Boston’s frontcourt rotation, which the Celtics have managed to protect with short stints and double-big looks.
- Boston’s 7-2 start and top net rating give the team room to handle single-game absences, but Sunday’s late availability decision highlighted how medical checks and late upgrades can shift matchups and minute plans on short notice.