Celtics Top Magic 138-129 After Queta Injury

The Boston Celtics overcame an early injury to center Neemias Queta and a late rally from the Orlando Magic to secure a 138-129 victory Sunday night at TD Garden, adapting to their depleted frontcourt by deploying smaller lineups that fueled a high-scoring offensive outburst.

Queta, who has emerged as a key starter in his first full season with the team, sprained his left ankle six minutes into the first quarter while contesting a dunk attempt by Orlando's Anthony Black. The 7-foot center limped to the locker room under his own power and did not return, leaving Boston without its primary big man for the remainder of the game. Coach Joe Mazzulla provided no immediate update on Queta's status after the contest, noting he planned to evaluate the injury afterward. Queta's absence highlighted ongoing challenges in the Celtics' frontcourt depth, which was already thinned this offseason after trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks and losing Al Horford to free agency with the Golden State Warriors.

With Queta sidelined, Mazzulla opted for an unorthodox small-ball approach, prioritizing speed and versatility over traditional size. Chris Boucher, a 6-foot-8 forward who had seen...