The Boston Celtics have made their plans clear for the front end of this weekend’s back-to-back. On Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, the team released its final injury report for Friday night’s road game at the Brooklyn Nets, and the headline is simple and intentional: Derrick White is out for rest. There’s no injury here—just smart pacing for one of Boston’s most important two-way players ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chicago.

The update also lists center Neemias Queta as questionable with an illness. Josh Minott (left ankle sprain) and Jayson Tatum, still recovering from an Achilles injury, remain out. The choices say a lot about how the Celtics are managing the long season while keeping their eye on May and June.

Final Injury Report: Derrick White Out, Queta Questionable

The Celtics’ post read it plainly: “Derrick White – Rest – OUT.” It’s White’s second missed game this season, the first coming back on Nov. 30 against Cleveland due to a calf contusion. This time, it’s purely a maintenance day on the road, with Boston careful in the first leg of a back-to-back set (Nets Friday, Bulls Saturday).

• Derrick White — Rest — OUT
• Neemias Queta — Illness — Questionable
• Josh Minott — Left ankle sprain — OUT
• Jayson Tatum — Achilles recovery — OUT

White’s impact is not subtle. He’s averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Even when his shot ebbs, his defense, decision-making, and ability to guard up and down positions keep Boston’s lineup balanced.

“Rest him now, win later — that’s a contender’s move.”

Why Rest Now? The Back-to-Back Math

This is smart scheduling by Boston. The team starts a road back-to-back in Brooklyn before heading to Chicago on Saturday. Giving White a night off on the front end limits risk and spreads out the load across the roster. The message from the staff is clear: there is no injury concern, just long-view planning.

It also fits with how Boston has managed a deep roster. The Celtics have the depth to survive a single-game absence, and they know what they want to look like in the spring. One rest night in January is a small price to keep legs fresh and roles defined.

Derrick White’s Value Goes Beyond the Box Score

Yes, the counting numbers are strong. But the value of White is how he ties groups together. He guards the point of attack, slides to wings when needed, protects the rim from the weak side, and organizes sets. When the shot isn’t falling, he still creates advantages with quick decisions and simple plays.

Boston may choose to lean more on ball movement and drive-and-kick actions to cover his absence. Expect an extra pass, more paint-and-spray, and group rebounding from the guards and wings to replace White’s steadying hand for one night.

“Can Boston keep the pace and pressure without White’s two-way glue?”

Neemias Queta’s Questionable Tag Looms Large

Queta’s status is worth watching. He has started all 41 of his appearances this season and missed only two games so far. The on-off data is striking: Boston’s defense allows 10.2 fewer points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor versus when he sits. In plain terms, he changes the game at the rim and cleans the glass.

If he plays, Boston keeps its paint shield intact. If he cannot go, the Celtics will need collective rim protection—early help, strong box-outs, and secure second-chance defense. Either way, the game plan should focus on controlling the restricted area and finishing defensive possessions.

“If Queta sits, who protects the rim tonight?”

Jayson Tatum’s Recovery: Progress, Not a Timeline

Tatum remains out as he works back from an Achilles injury. Recent on-court workouts have shown progress, but there is no change in the timeline. Boston has been careful and consistent here. The priority is full health, not quick returns.

That patience is part of a broader plan. The Celtics’ depth allows them to hold the line while stars heal and key starters take scheduled rest nights. It is how top teams build regular-season habits that translate to the playoffs.

Josh Minott Out; Depth Keeps the Machine Steady

Minott remains out with a left ankle sprain. While he is not a headline piece, every rotation spot matters across an 82-game season. His absence tightens the wing minutes on the margins, but Boston’s structure—defend without fouling, move the ball, space smart—holds.

What to Watch vs. the Nets

With White sidelined and Queta questionable, watch for three simple markers:

• Guard play by committee: quick decisions, clean entries, and safe outlets.
• Paint control: rim protection and one-shot defense, especially if Queta cannot go.
• Ball security: win the turnover battle to limit Brooklyn’s easy points.

The Nets can get streaky at home. Boston’s best answer is a steady tempo, early paint touches, and sharp defensive transitions. A “next-man-up” mindset should keep the floor balanced, even without their two-way backcourt anchor.

Big Picture: January Choices for June Goals

The Celtics aren’t hiding the plan. The decision to rest White is a bet on health and rhythm when it matters most. It also shows trust in the roster’s depth and the system. The difference between chasing every win in January and owning your approach by April is often one or two smart maintenance nights.

One more reminder of perspective: this is only White’s second missed game of the season. He has been available, productive, and essential. Keeping it that way is the point.

Friday in Brooklyn is a test of process more than personnel. If Boston defends the paint, values the ball, and shares the load, it should travel well—and set up Saturday in Chicago with a clear plan and fresher legs.

In other words, the rest day makes sense now, and it may make even more sense when the Celtics need one more close-out play in the spring.