Celtics Move Neemias Queta to Bench Against Detroit

Boston will open its NBA season against the Detroit Pistons with Mitchell Robinson starting at center and Neemias Queta available as a reserve. NBC Sports Boston's Sean Grande reported the lineup decision, which gives Robinson the initial advantage in the competition for the starting position despite Queta's productive 2025-26 campaign. Reports published October 20 by CBS Sports and RotoWire confirmed that Queta would not start Tuesday's season opener.

The Portuguese center could still receive significant playing time as Boston considers how to distribute minutes between its two centers. Queta enters the new season after achieving career highs in several statistical categories during the 2025-26 regular season. According to CBS Sports and RotoWire, the 27-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per game over 76 appearances, playing 25.3 minutes per game.

His production provides the statistical context for Boston's decision to keep him in a reserve role initially. Although Robinson secured the starting assignment, the available reports indicate that Queta could have opportunities to take on a larger role as the season progresses.

Queta's availability for the opener followed a period of rest during Boston's preseason schedule. CBS Sports and RotoWire reported October 17 that he was expected to be available against Detroit after missing a preseason game against Philadelphia on Friday. Boston won that matchup 125-120 in overtime without Queta. The reports indicated that he was expected to return for the regular-season opener, rather than identifying his preseason absence as an announcement of a broader change in availability.

Robinson's position as the starting center could also be affected by concerns about his durability, according to the reports. Those concerns may create opportunities for Boston to distribute playing time between Robinson and Queta during the campaign. The Celtics will therefore begin their season with Robinson in the starting lineup and Queta available off the bench. The initial decision establishes the center rotation for the Detroit game without determining how the team's playing-time distribution will develop over the full season.