Neemias Queta finally stepped onto the court for the Boston Celtics in their preseason opener early Saturday morning. This marked his first game in the team’s preparation period. The Portuguese center saw significant action during Boston’s 107-105 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
Queta earned a spot in the starting lineup for the night. He played alongside Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, and Chris Boucher. The big man tallied 17 minutes, using that time to score 4 points and grab 5 rebounds. This game was a clear chance for players to shake off the rust and get ready for the upcoming season.
Coach Joe Mazzulla had opted to keep Queta off the floor in the Celtics’ very first preseason game. That earlier match saw Boston defeat the Memphis Grizzlies by a score of 121-103. Getting minutes now, especially as a starter, shows Mazzulla is giving Queta a real look as the team tunes up.