Who Will Be the Celtics’ Backup Center in the Playoffs?

Garza’s Career Season

Now, let’s look at what Garza has accomplished this season.

The Washington, D.C., native is averaging a career high across nearly every category.

He has averaged 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 57.7% from the field and 43.3% from beyond the arc. Like Vucevic, Garza has been considered a defensive liability.

In his first four seasons with the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, Garza posted a Defensive Box Plus/Minus below -1.9 each season. In Boston, the center has raised that number to 0.2.

Over the past month, Garza has found his stride, highlighted by three 20-point games. The former National College Player of the Year scored a career-high 27 points in the Celtics’ regular-season finale against the Orlando Magic.

Mazzulla Leans Vucevic

The Celtics have shown they trust Vucevic as the backup center, as he has played more minutes than Garza in their 16 games.

The last time Boston faced the Philadelphia 76ers, on March 1, Vucevic played 20 minutes and recorded an 11-point double-double, while Garza did not play. The Celtics have also opted not to play Garza in three-fourths of their matchups against the New York Knicks, the team’s likely second-round opponent.

Vucevic will likely open the playoffs in the backup center role, but he could have a short leash if his offensive struggles persist, while Garza has averaged 15 points in his last five games.

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