NBA: Bucks out to contain emerging center Neemias Queta, Celtics

The Milwaukee Bucks will face a tough test at center when they visit the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

The center position, once a question mark for the Celtics, has become one of the team’s strengths this season. Starter Neemias Queta is coming off a career night, scoring 27 points with 17 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks in Boston’s 114-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Backup center Nikola Vucevic, acquired at the trade deadline, added 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Queta, 26, credits the Celtics’ coaching staff for his development.

“They really have a care factor, too,” Queta said. “They care for you as a person, too. Their ability to go out there every day, demand a bunch out of you and still be able to have a relationship with you off the court… They really care for you, and that makes your job so much easier knowing they got your back.”

After serving as the fourth center behind Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet in his first two seasons, Queta has started 55 of 56 games this year. He is posting career highs with 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

“He’s done a good job this year,” said Jaylen Brown. “I think he has another level he can tap into, and I feel like he’s starting to reach that next level.”

The Bucks are coming off a 120-97 loss to the Chicago Bulls, ending their 11-game losing streak. Chicago went on a 27-point run across the third and fourth quarters, while Milwaukee missed 17 consecutive shots in the fourth.

“We didn’t get the right shots,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Half of them were contested. That was a disappointing loss, and I hope we all feel it.”

Milwaukee, currently three games out of the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference, is vying for the final play-in tournament spot. They have been playing without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has missed 15 games with a right calf strain but is expected to return against the Celtics.

“Super frustrating,” said Bobby Portis. “We just have to move on to the Boston game. Twenty-three games left in the season, and it’s getting tight for us. Gotta get on a heater here soon.”

Monday’s matchup marks the third meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks won 116-101 at home on Dec. 11, while the Celtics claimed a 107-79 victory on Feb. 1. -Field Level Media/Reuters