Breakdown
Performance
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May 3, 2026
Double-doubles off bench
Queta posted 17 points (7-8 FG, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds and one assist over 33 minutes during Saturday's 109-100 loss to the 76ers in Game 7 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Analysis
Queta moved back to the bench, although he still managed to log a series-high 33 minutes. While it was a breakout season for the big man, he was outplayed by Joel Embiid over the final four games of the series, when Embiid averaged 28.0 points and 9.0 rebounds. Looking ahead, Boston has some decisions to make regarding its frontcourt. Queta is seemingly the leading option at center, but that could change if the organization opts to go in another direction. He put up several career-high numbers in the regular season, during which he averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals in 25.3 minutes per game across 76 outings (75 starts).
May 2, 2026
Not starting Game 7
Queta won't start Saturday's Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against Philadelphia, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.
Analysis
Queta combined for 25 rebounds in the last two games of this series. However, with Jayson Tatum (knee) ruled out, head coach Joe Mazzulla is making some adjustments heading into Game 7, with Luka Garza entering the starting lineup. Still, it's reasonable to assume Queta will see more minutes than anyone else at the position despite coming off the bench.
April 29, 2026
Grabs 14 boards in Game 5 loss
Queta contributed eight points (4-8 FG, 0-2 FT), 14 rebounds and one assist across 26 minutes during Tuesday's 113-97 loss to the 76ers in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Analysis
Queta picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter, allowing Joel Embiid to feast down low. Although he did manage to play 26 minutes, Queta's absence at key points was certainly an issue for the Celtics. While his numbers haven't jumped off the page, Queta's presence on the defensive end is going to be crucial heading into Game 6 on Thursday.
April 27, 2026
Struggles with foul trouble
Queta closed Sunday's 128-96 victory over the 76ers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with nine points (3-3 FG, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and one block across 17 minutes.
Analysis
For the second straight game, Queta saw a reduced workload after picking up four fouls. That's been an issue all series, with the center averaging just 18.3 minutes through four games with 9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.