Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics

Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics

Neemias Queta has been ruled out of the Boston Celtics game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, March 30.

The rim-running big man is dealing with a right thumb sprain.

Injury Report Update:

Ron Harper Jr – R Ankle Sprain – OUTNeemias Queta – R Thumb Sprain – OUTDerrick White – AVAILABLE https://t.co/3q2qgz1nxq

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 30, 2026

Queta had been listed as questionable heading into Monday. Ultimately, the Celtics’ medical staff decided that he was better served sitting out the contest. Ron Harper Jr, who was listed as “questionable” earlier in the day, has also been ruled out. He is suffering from a right ankle sprain.

Despite spending last season as the Celtics’ fourth-string big man, Queta has proven himself to be a viable starting-level center this season. He’s suited up in 70 regular-season games for the Celtics so far, averaging 9.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Queta is shooting 64% from the field.

Furthermore, Queta has shown significant improvements as a defender. He’s fouling less frequently, has developed into a reliable rim-protector and rim deterrent while also flourishing as a drop defender.

Of course, Queta still has room to continue developing his game. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that he’s proven a lot of people wrong this season and could realistically become Boston’s starting big man for the foreseeable future.

Without Queta in the rotation, and with Nikola Vucevic still sidelined due to injury, Luka Garza is the most likely candidate to step into the starting lineup against Atlanta.

The Boston Celtics Will Have Jaylen Brown Back

While losing Queta from the rotation will hurt the Celtics’ front court, there is also some good news. Jaylen Brown, who missed the previous two games with Achilles tendonitis in his left leg, will return to face his hometown team on Sunday.

Brown has been playing at an MVP level this season, thriving as the Celtics’ primary offensive weapon. In 65 games, Brown is averaging 28.6 points, 7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, shooting 47.7% from the field and 34.2% from deep.

It’s also worth noting that those 65 games will ensure that Brown is eligible to make an All-NBA team this season. He is also eligible for the MVP race, although he only has an outside chance of winning the prestigious award.

Nevertheless, having Brown back will be a legitimate boost for the Celtics.

The Boston Celtics Won’t Have Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum will also be absent for the Celtics on Monday. This will be the second game he’s missed since returning to the rotation following a nearly 300-day absence due to his torn Achilles.

Tatum has been steadily improving since returning to the court. On Sunday, March 29, the All-NBA forward played his best game of the season so far. Tatum was instrumental in Boston’s win over the Charlotte Hornets. He ended the night with 32 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds.

Still, resting Tatum on the second night of a back-to-back is smart. Brown has carried Boston’s offense for most of the season. As such, Joe Mazzulla likely feels comfortable in letting him spearhead the team’s attack against Atlanta.

Celtics’ fans will undoubtedly be hoping that Tatum is back in the rotation when the team faces the Miami Heat on Wednesday, April 1.

For now, though, all eyes will be on the Celtics and the Hawks. After all, Boston needs to continue stacking wins as we enter the final stretch of the season.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor

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