The Boston Celtics have won four of their last five games and are above .500 at 9-8.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s group is still 10th in the clustered Eastern Conference standings entering action Monday though.

With two days off before an NBA Cup game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin placed the Celtics 12th on his weekly NBA Power Rankings, but notably fifth among Eastern Conference teams.

The lead NBA writer credited Boston center Neemias Queta for the team’s recent hot stretch.

“The biggest question coming into the season in Boston was at center, because Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford were all gone. Neemias Queta has answered that question — he has been impressive as the starting five, averaging 9.3 points on 62.8% shooting, and grabbing

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