Before enjoying Thanksgiving, the Boston Celtics will host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The visitors travel to TD Garden riding a 13-game winning streak. That matches the longest one in franchise history.
Detroit's 15-2 to begin the current campaign. That places the Pistons atop the Eastern Conference standings. Making the matter more challenging is that the Celtics will be playing shorthanded.
Neemias Queta sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday's 138-129 victory vs. the Orlando Magic. The injury occurred when he sprinted back and challenged an Anthony Black attempt at the rim. Boston's starting center came up hobbling, briefly heading to the bench before retreating to the locker room.
A day before hosting the top team in the East, the Celtics have ruled Queta out on their initial injury report. The timing is unfortunate, considering the opponent.
Adjusting to Neemias Queta's absence
The Magic were without their top two centers, Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze, allowing the C's to go small, deploying Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh at center for much of the second half. However, the Pistons are a big, physical team that punishes opponents in the paint. Detroit's producing 59.1 points per game from that area of the court. That's the most in the league, per NBA.com.
Jalen Duren has evolved into an All-Star-caliber player and he has Isaiah Stewart, nicknamed "Beef Stew," backing him up. Playing Minott or Walsh at the five could work in spurts, but it's risky. Boston will have to trust Luka Garza and perhaps Xavier Tillman Sr. to step up.
The hosts also figure to become even more aggressive defensively, aiming to force turnovers and keep the visitors out of the paint. More turnovers would also limit opportunities for second-chances.
"He provides a lot of shot blocking, and without his presence out there, we have to make up for it another way," said Sam Hauser after Tuesday's practice at the Auerbach Center. "Being aggressive, keeping guys out of the paint, rebounding really well collectively, and, yeah, just trying to be playmakers on defense."
After Wednesday's matchup, the Celtics head on the road. They travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. A day later, they'll face the Cleveland Cavaliers. The latter is 12-7 and fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
If Queta still hasn't returned by Sunday's contest, hopefully, he's back for the conclusion of the gauntlet Boston's about to go through. The Celtics host the New York Knicks Tuesday, Dec. 2.