Fans of the Boston Celtics and Portuguese National Team both had a bit of an injury scare in Portugal's upset 95-89 win over the Spanish National Team in FIBA 2029 World Cup EuroBasket prequalifier play on Saturday after Celtics center Neemias Queta left the game with what appeared to be a left leg injury early in the contest's final frame.
Speaking after the win over fellow Boston alum Hugo Gonzalez' Spain, Portugal head coach Mário Gomes broke down what they knew about Queta's injury. "We still don't know if he has any problems or not, but we decided not to take any risks," he explainedvia Portuguese outlet A Bola (translation via Google). "Zero risk. Not only because we have a game on Monday (vs. the Georgian National Team), but also because it's
his life and, for me, as a coach, the players' health comes first."
"When there is a risk, we never do anything that jeopardizes the players' health to win a game," added Gomes. "The physiotherapist and the doctor told me there was a real risk, so we decided not to use him anymore."
"We also have people from the Boston Celtics staff here, who I think are helping our medical team understand what's going on," continued the Portuguese National Team coach. "I hope it's nothing serious and we can count on him on Monday and, above all, that he can continue his career without problems, because he deserves it. He's a great guy."
That last bit sounding perhaps more ominous than intended aside, it sounds like they have their priorities in order regarding Queta and his health. It also sounds like whatever is going on with the Celtics center, it isn't a serious injury, but one we will all be monitoring for the rest of his play in EuroBasket and beyond.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Portugal coach Mário Gomes on Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta injury in win vs. Spain
