Nov 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Celtics Make Big Roster Moves Ahead of Nuggets Matchup

Originally posted on Boston Celtics on SI
By Ricardo Klein | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 3:19 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have made significant changes to their roster prior to their crucial matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

The Celtics have assigned three players to their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics: Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and Jordan Walsh.

Celtics insider Noa Dalzell shared via X.

The Celtics have assigned Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and Jordan Walsh to the Maine Celtics for their practice today at the Auerbach Center. Queta, Tillman, and Walsh will be recalled to the Boston Celtics upon the conclusion of practice.
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) March 1, 2025

However, all three will be recalled at the end of practice.

Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman and Jordan Walsh will practice with the Maine Celtics in Brighton today, then be recalled to the NBA roster afterward, per the Celtics.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) March 1, 2025

The Celtics have limited Queta, Tillman, and Walsh. All three combine for 28.9 minutes of action.

Boston will play the Nuggets on Sunday in a crucial matchup as they try to avoid a three-game losing streak.

The Celtics have lost their last two games against Central Division opponents, the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Although Jayson Tatum was spectacular in Friday's contest against Cleveland, the Celtics didn't do enough. They blew a 22-point lead and likely their chances at grabbing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics will take on the Nuggets as they look to remain the second seed in the East. They currently have a 2.5-game lead in that department over the New York Knicks, a team they have dominated this season.

Although Tillman, Queta, and Walsh will head back to the NBA club afterward, they will unlikely get some run against the Nuggets on Sunday.

Tillman has only played in 28 games this season, averaging 0.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 7.1 minutes of action. The last time he was on the court was on Wednesday against the Pistons. He recorded zero points and two rebounds in five minutes of action in that contest.

Prior to that game, he last played on Feb. 8 against the Knicks.

Walsh has played more than Tillman, playing in 40 games and averaging 1.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.3 assists while shooting 35 percent from the field in 7.7 minutes.

He got an extensive run against the Pistons, playing in 15 minutes, but recorded only two rebounds.

As for Queta, he has played the most, averaging 14.1 minutes of action and tallying 5.0 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while shooting 65.5 percent from the field in 46 games.

With or without these three players, the Celtics will be in a fine spot moving forward.

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