The Boston Celtics likely held their breath when center Neemias Queta exited the fourth quarter of Portugal's 95-89 win versus Spain on Friday. The 7-footer had to leave the FIBA World Cup qualifier early because of an ankle injury, however, Portugal's head coach Mario Gomes told reporters it was a "precautionary" measure.
Queta signed a four-year, $56 million contract extension with the Celtics this summer and has proven to be an integral part of the Green Team's frontcourt. Losing him to injury would be a huge blow for the C's, yet the Lisbon native seems to be OK given the fact that he practiced with Portugal on Sunday and is suiting up for his country on Monday when the Lynxes host Georgia in Matosinhos (a coastal city in the north of Portugal).
The qualifier is currently underway and marks Portugal's last FIBA contest until Thursday, November 26 — when Queta will be occupied by the 2026-27 NBA regular season. Portugal sits in fourth place in Group I and would really benefit from a win over Georgia, as only the top three squads in the six-team group will advance to the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
As of writing this, Queta has recorded 5 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 10 minutes of play as Portugal leads 34-31 ahead of halftime. The Celtics big man isn't the only NBAer in action, either. Georgia rosters Los Angeles Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze. The European clash is live on DAZN and should conclude around 4 p.m. ET.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Neemias Queta is good to go in FIBA qualifier vs. Georgia despite ankle injury
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