Which Celtics Star Will Benefit Most From Joel Embiid's Absence For 76ers? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics caught a lucky break in their first-round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Former NBA MVP Joel Embiid is still recovering from his emergency appendectomy and will miss Game 1 of the series, and potentially additional time beyond that.

That bodes well for the Celtics, who stomped the 76ers 114-98 the last time they met on March 1 at TD Garden.

Embiid missed that game as well, and Boston center Neemias Queta took full advantage. Queta feasted on Philadelphia's depleted frontcourt with a career-high 27 points. He also grabbed 17 rebounds, including a personal-best 10 boards on the offensive glass.

"Being myself is going to help us do that."Neemias Queta is leading the charge for the Celtics in a battle on the margins that will play a pivotal role in shaping their first-round rivalry clash against the 76ers. https://t.co/CBCIqQ5d4c

All of those offensive rebounds led to 13 second-chance points for the 26-year-old center, who appears poised to dominate in his first career playoff start.

The Sixers ranked in the bottom seven in the NBA in both second-chance opportunities and second-chance points allowed per game during the regular season. With Queta's size, physicality and aggressiveness, they're going to have a hard time keeping him off the glass.

If Queta does his thing and stays in the general vicinity of the basket, he could be primed for another monster game in the series opener, and potentially more if Embiid remains out.

More NBA: Will Joel Embiid Play in 2026 NBA Playoffs? Latest Injury Updates for Celtics vs. 76ers Series