Surprise X-Factor Named Ahead of Celtics Game 7 Clash vs. 76ers
The Boston Celtics walked into Game 6 on Thursday night with a chance to close the door on the Philadelphia 76ers, and instead lost to a team many had counted out weeks ago.
The Celtics were outplayed from the opening stretch in a 106–93 loss, undone by cold shooting, turnovers, and an inability to contain a surging Tyrese Maxey, who poured in 30 points to keep Philly alive.
The Sixers set the tone early and never let up, flipping what once looked like a comfortable 3–1 Celtics series lead into a full-blown crisis.
Now the series shifts back to TD Garden for a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Saturday night, with momentum clearly in Philadelphia’s favor.
And now, in a series loaded with stars, a surprising 7-footer may be the one who decides it.
Celtics’ center Neemias Queta.
On Saturday morning, ESPN's Zach Kram identified Queta as Boston's Game 7 "X-factor," flipping the script away from stars like Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown and onto a 26-year-old and former second-round pick whose impact has been undeniable.
“Boston’s starting center was one of the most improved players in the NBA this season and a pleasant surprise for Boston after Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet departed last summer,” Kram wrote. “The Celtics had a team-best plus-13.2 net rating with Queta on the floor in the regular season. But Queta has struggled immensely against Philadelphia — thanks in no small part to matching up against (Joel) Embiid.”
“Nobody is expecting Queta to match Embiid’s production. But in Game 7, Queta needs to stay out of foul trouble and give Boston the rebounds, solid screens, and stingy interior defense he provided all season.”
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A 2021 second-round pick (No. 39 overall) out of Utah State, Queta spent his first two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in just 20 games while bouncing between the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
It wasn’t until he was waived by the Kings in 2022 that he landed with Boston on a two-way deal.
He still saw limited minutes, splitting time between the Celtics and the Maine Celtics before earning a full roster spot and a steadier role in 2024–25. Queta appeared in 62 games (six starts) that season, averaging 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13.9 minutes.
Then came the breakout.
This year, he seized the starting job, jumping to 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 76 games (75 starts) while shooting 65.3% from the field.
The leap came after Boston lost Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet last offseason, and suddenly, Queta became the team’s most important interior force. Now, less than a year later, he's gone from overlooked G League talent to a central figure in the Celtics' biggest game of the season.
Boston's entire defensive game plan against Joel Embiid hinges on Queta staying on the floor, and that's been a problem. He's been repeatedly pulled into foul trouble this series, often by Embiid's physicality and shot fakes, limiting his minutes and forcing Boston into weaker defensive lineups.
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That's why he's the X-factor. When Queta plays disciplined, he gives Boston rim protection, rebounding, and stability. But when he doesn't, the Celtics' interior defense cracks, exposing slower backups and opening lanes for Philadelphia's guards.
Beyond that matchup, Game 7 will hinge on Embiid vs. Boston's help defense, Tyrese Maxey attacking drop coverage, and whether Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can impose physicality early.
The Celtics enter as 8.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook in a win-or-go-home Game 7 on Saturday night.
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 12:34 PM.