The Boston Celtics are heading into their Sunday night matchup against the surging Charlotte Hornets without two key starters, but they’ve got a timely boost in the frontcourt that could disrupt Charlotte’s recent momentum.
Derrick White has been ruled out with a right knee contusion, marking his fourth missed game of the 2025-26 season. The versatile guard has been a steady force all year, appearing in 70 games while averaging 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 39.2% shooting from the field and 32.3% from three. White stepped up significantly in the offense during Jayson Tatum’s long absence with an Achilles injury. With Tatum now back in the mix, White’s efficiency was expected to climb over the final stretch of the season. Boston will certainly feel his absence in scoring, playmaking, and on-ball defense—especially against a Hornets team that’s been playing with confidence lately.
This marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. White was outstanding in the first encounter on March 4, dropping 29 points while shooting an efficient 75% from two-point range.
Making matters tougher for Boston, Jaylen Brown will also sit out his second consecutive game due to left Achilles tendonitis. The MVP candidate has delivered a career-best season, averaging 28.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 65 games on 47.7% field goal shooting and 34.2% from deep. Having already reached the 65-game threshold, Brown remains eligible for All-NBA honors and MVP consideration, giving the Celtics flexibility to manage his workload carefully. With this game kicking off a back-to-back (followed by Monday’s matchup against the Hawks), resting him appears to be a prudent load-management decision.
Despite the absences up top, Celtics fans can take heart in a rising contributor who’s ready to step into the spotlight: Neemias Queta has been cleared to play after being listed as probable.
The Portuguese big man has emerged as a revelation this season. Thrust into a much larger role after the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, Queta has started regularly and delivered starting-caliber production. In 69 games, he’s averaging 9.8 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting an impressive 64% from the field. He’s also shown clear growth as a rim protector and overall defender.
Queta has met every challenge thrown his way, proving reliable even as the Celtics navigate injuries and Tatum’s gradual return. If Boston sustains its strong play down the stretch and into the postseason, Queta could find himself starting in the NBA Finals—raising the intriguing question of whether he can anchor the frontcourt long-term or if the front office will need to explore upgrades via trade.
With White and Brown sidelined, Queta’s interior presence, rebounding, and defensive versatility arrive at exactly the right moment. The Hornets, riding a hot streak, will have to contend with a refreshed and motivated Celtics lineup that still features Tatum leading the charge.
Charlotte should brace for impact—the Celtics’ “secret weapon” in the paint is locked in and ready to make his mark.