We say almost because deep reserve Celtics center Neemias Queta managed to get on the floor for 19 minutes of game time.

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.

Downgraded to out Sunday

Downgraded to out

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) celebrates with Luke Kornet during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP

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

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.

Horford will continue to sit out one leg of Boston's back-to-backs Thursday due to his toe injury. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) also out, Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet are set to receive the bulk of the team's center minutes against Philadelphia.

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

The Celtics assigned Queta to the G League's Maine Celtics before he was later recalled to the NBA on Saturday. Queta likely joined the G League Celtics for Saturday's practice ahead of their matchup against the Grand Rapids Gold on Tuesday.

Queta is not in the Celtics' starting lineup against the Lakers on Saturday, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports. Queta made his sixth start of the season Thursday against the 76ers and finished with eight points,