Queta Says He Must Improve After Foul Trouble
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta acknowledged he needs to play better after a loose-ball foul against the Nets, and he will start Sunday with Mitchell Robinson resting.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Basketball
Celtics center Neemias Queta admitted he needs to improve after he was whistled for a loose-ball foul against the Nets on Tuesday that set up two missed free throws from Mitchell Robinson and a wild turnaround 3-pointer from Mikel Brown. Queta fouled out in the game, and he will start for the first time this season with Robinson resting.
Why it matters
Queta's foul trouble and reduced role come as Boston adjusts its rotation, with Robinson signed in the offseason and taking time from Queta in the starting five. The shift affects how Boston manages its frontcourt during a demanding stretch of games.
Queta is averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds this season, shooting 58.3% from the field compared with 65.3% last year, and playing 19.8 minutes per game versus 25.3 last year. His fouls per game have risen to 3.0 from 2.8, and it is not yet clear whether his role will return to last season's level.
The players
Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta is a Boston Celtics center whose playing time and starting role have shifted this season.
Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson is a center who signed with the Boston Celtics in the offseason and is now competing with Queta for minutes.
The details
Queta was whistled for a loose-ball foul against the Nets on Tuesday, and the call led directly to two missed free throws by Robinson and a wild turnaround 3-pointer by Mikel Brown. He later fouled out, and he acknowledged afterward that he needs to play better.
Timeline
Tuesday: Loose-ball foul against the Nets; Queta fouls out
Friday: Queta performs solidly against the Bulls
Sunday: Queta starts against Orlando at 3:30 p.m. ET
Monday: Boston plays in Houston
Season Trajectory
Queta's production has dipped from last year's levels, with shooting efficiency down from 65.3% to 58.3% and minutes falling from 25.3 to 19.8 per game. Those changes come as Boston adds Mitchell Robinson to its frontcourt, reshaping the rotation that determines Queta's role this season.
Queta's reduced minutes and rising foul rate affect how he fits into fantasy lineups and daily projections for Boston's frontcourt. With Robinson resting Sunday, Queta's opportunity to rebuild his numbers arrives immediately.
The takeaway
Queta's next few starts will show whether he can cut down on fouls and recover the shooting efficiency he had last season.
What happens next
Queta is scheduled to start Sunday against Orlando at 3:30 p.m. ET, and Boston plays in Houston on Monday night.
Further reading
Follow more Boston Celtics basketball coverage for the latest on rotations and lineup changes.
