The Celtics will have their full roster (minus Jayson Tatum) available ahead of Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown, who was listed as questionable with low back spasms, is available to play, as is Neemias Queta, who was questionable with a left ankle sprain suffered last Sunday. Queta missed one game with the injury, while Brown has yet to miss a game this season.
Derrick White, who was listed as probable with a right calf contusion, is also available to play.
The Celtics went 1-0 in Queta’s absence, pulling out a 117-114 win over the Detroit Pistons. Two-way center Amari Williams laced up for 15 minutes in that one, and the Celtics also heavily relied on their small-ball lineup. While Joe Mazzulla praised the Celtics’ defensive efforts, rebounding was an issue down the stretch as the Celtics were outrebounded by 12 in the game.
Queta has been critical to the Celtics’ defense so far this season; his defensive rating is 100.6, which is the third-best of any player in the NBA. He also has the 7th-best net rating in the league; the Celtics have outscored opponents by 16.4 points per possession with him on the floor. This season, he’s averaged 9.3 points and 7.9 rebounds.
Brown, meanwhile, has been the Celtics’ offensive engine, averaging a team-best 28.2 points per game on 49.5% shooting.
The Celtics (10-8) will face the Timberwolves (10-8) on Saturday at 5pm ET. The Celtics have won five of their last six games, while the Wolves have lost three in a row.
