Clint Capela expected to miss more time with heel contusion

Clint Capela (heel contusion) is out for Sunday’s Rockets game versus New Orleans, and there’s no clear timetable for his return.

In an update at Saturday’s practice, Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said he expects starting center Clint Capela to miss Sunday’s home game versus New Orleans due to an ongoing right heel contusion.

Since Dec. 28, Capela has missed five different games with the injury. The first four absences were brief and for only one or two games at a time, but D’Antoni suggested that this time could be different, with the Rockets hoping to get rid of the nagging issue for good.

With Capela also sitting out Friday versus Dallas, this represents the first time since late December for him to miss consecutive games.

In 32.8 minutes per game this season, Capela is averaging 13.9 points (62.9% shooting), 13.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. The 25-year-old’s rebounding total ranks fourth in the NBA on a per-game basis.

Speaking pregame Friday, D’Antoni said this regarding the status of his 6-foot-10 big man and the potential timetable:

It’s a medical staff thing. But my two cents… he shouldn’t come back until he feels pain-free. … Let’s get it well totally, and if that means next game, great. If that means a month from now, great. Whatever it is, he’s got to get well.

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The Rockets have six more games until the All-Star break in mid-February, which could allow them to rest Capela for more than three weeks when considering a built-in break in the schedule. However, D’Antoni was non-committal when asked whether the absence could be that long.

Houston is actually 2-0 in its last two games without Capela, with D’Antoni turning to a smaller lineup comprised of usual power forward P.J. Tucker at center and Danuel House Jr. in Tucker’s place at power forward.

Given the success, D’Antoni indicated after Friday’s win over Dallas that the Rockets would continue with that lineup if Capela remains out.

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On Friday, the Rockets became the first NBA team since 1963 to have no one taller than 6-foot-6 enter the game. Off the bench, 6-foot-6 veteran forward Thabo Sefolosha spelled both Tucker and House.

Sunday could offer an even bigger challenge for Houston’s undersized lineup, though, since the taller Pelicans (20-29) have won three straight games and have a very athletic and physical front line with veteran Derrick Favors and rookie Zion Williamson.

The game tips off at 1 p.m. local time from Toyota Center, and it will be televised nationally on ABC. The Rockets (30-18) will enter Sunday’s matchup having won four of their last six games overall.

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