Such is the case for Boston big man Neemias Queta, who does not get as much playing time as he sits behind Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, but when given the opportunity he usually makes the most of it.

Luke Kornet (personal) has already been ruled out against Toronto, so Tillman could be in line to share the backup center minutes with the probable Neemias Queta (illness) if Al Horford (toe) sits out.

The Celtics may be shorthanded in the frontcourt on Sunday as they look for their fifth straight win at TD Garden against the New York Knicks. Boston added backup center Neemias Queta to their injury report for Sunday’s matinee with a non-COVID illness.

Queta provided a nice lift off the Celtics bench Sunday, leading all second unit players in rebounds while finishing two points short of a double-double. Queta matched a season high in rebounds, having hauled in 10 boards on two occasions.

Good to go Tuesday

Downgraded to out Sunday

Downgraded to out

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) celebrates near Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) after scoring the second half of an NBA basketball

T he Boston Celtics will be taking on the New York Knicks today and they will be missing a few crucial big men. Both Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman have been ruled out for this

Is backup Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta the team's temporary replacement for Kristaps Porzingis? With the Latvian center slated to miss most if not all of the portion of the 2024-25 NBA season falling during this (2024) calendar year due to a rare ankle injury he picked up in the 2024 NBA Finals,

With Kristaps Porzingis listed as doubtful, the Celtics could use another big performance from Al Horford against Portland.