Celtics Starters Questionable for Hawks Matchup

Boston could be without three key players for Friday's game against Atlanta.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:11pm

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The Boston Celtics may be without three of their regular starters - Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Neemias Queta - for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. All three players are listed as questionable due to various minor injuries sustained in the team's previous game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why it matters

The Celtics are currently battling the New York Knicks for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, so any absences of key players could impact their positioning in the playoff race. The Hawks have also been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past month, making this a challenging matchup even with a full-strength Celtics roster.

The details

If Queta is unable to play, Luka Garza would likely start at center, with two-way rookie Amari Williams and 10-day signee Charles Bassey providing depth. If Brown sits, it would be the first game Jayson Tatum has played without his longtime co-star since Tatum's return from Achilles surgery. Baylor Scheierman and Payton Pritchard would be the top options to start if Brown and/or White are inactive, with reserve wings Jordan Walsh and Ron Harper Jr. potentially seeing larger roles.

  • The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A starting wing for the Boston Celtics who is listed as questionable for Friday's game due to left calf tightness.

Derrick White

A starting guard for the Boston Celtics who is listed as questionable for Friday's game due to a right knee contusion.

Neemias Queta

A starting center for the Boston Celtics who is listed as questionable for Friday's game due to a right thumb sprain.

Luka Garza

A depth center for the Boston Celtics who would likely start if Queta is unable to play.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward who would play his first game without co-star Jaylen Brown since Tatum's return from Achilles surgery if Brown is unable to play.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.