The Boston Celtics are 4-1 and rolling, but they are benching Mitchell Robinson for their Sunday matchup against the Orlando Magic. This move comes despite Robinson telling Knicks Fan TV earlier this month he was “very excited” to play back-to-backs in Boston, a stark contrast to his time with the Knicks where he typically sat out one night. Now, on only the Celtics’ second back-to-back of the season, Robinson is getting a rest on the front end.
The Back-to-Back Promise and the Rotation Shuffle
Robinson was clear: “It ain’t going to be the same in Boston [as it was with the Knicks]. I’ll be able to play back-to-backs. I’m very excited for that; it’s been a long time coming. Now I can go out there and play basketball, just go out there with a free mind and just hoop.” But with 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 minutes per game so far this season, the Celtics are still opting to manage his workload. The rest of the roster is fully available, save for two-way player Devin Carter, who is dealing with an illness but is at least now around the team after being away to start the season.
With Robinson sidelined, Neemias Queta is likely to get the starting nod. Queta has been solid, averaging 9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game. Luka Garza is also expected to see more minutes off the bench, currently putting up 4.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per game. The Celtics have rolled out the same starting five , Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Robinson , in every game this season, so this switch will definitely be one to watch.
Magic’s Injury Nightmare and Celtics’ Momentum
While the Celtics are managing Robinson’s rest, the Orlando Magic are in a full-blown injury crisis. They are missing several key players, with Paolo Banchero out with a high ankle sprain suffered in the second game, Jalen Suggs sidelined by a right knee contusion from the third game, and Jonathan Isaac sitting due to left knee injury management. Those are massive blows for a team that’s trying to find its footing.
Despite the injuries, Franz Wagner has stepped up big time, leading the Magic with an impressive 20.8 points, 7 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. Desmond Bane, acquired last offseason, is also contributing 17.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. is having a career season with 14.8 points and 8.6 rebounds. Rookies Anthony Black and Jase Richardson have been forced into the starting lineup due to the absences, and Jamal Cain and Tristan da Silva are getting key minutes off the bench. The Magic sit at 2-3, with wins over the Knicks and Raptors but losses to the Hawks, Timberwolves, and the Raptors again. The Celtics, meanwhile, are hot, winning four straight since losing their season opener, with victories over the Knicks, Chicago Bulls (twice), and Brooklyn Nets. This Sunday matchup looks like a chance for Boston to keep that momentum rolling.
The Celtics will look to keep their win streak alive against the Magic, potentially even with an eye on Monday’s game against the Houston Rockets where more player rest could be on the horizon. Can Queta fill Robinson’s shoes and keep the Celtics charging through the early season? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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