For the first time since the February 2020 trade that sent him from the Rockets to Atlanta, veteran big man Clint Capela will return to Houston when the Hawks visit Toyota Center on Tuesday. Now 26 years old, Capela played nearly six seasons with the Rockets after being selected in the first round of the NBA’s 2014 draft.
When the trade was made, the Rockets were perceived title contenders, whereas the Hawks were in something of a rebuilding state. That’s not the case 13 months later. Atlanta (19-20) has won five straight games and is in the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference standings, which has them on course for a potential berth in the 2021 playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (11-26) will attempt to avoid tying a franchise record of 17 straight losses — set by the expansion San Diego Rockets in the 1967-68 season. With 16 straight defeats, they’re already on the longest skid since moving to Houston in 1971.
A big part of Houston’s problem has been injuries, and it’s unclear if the Rockets will be significantly better off on Tuesday than they have been in recent games. Star center Christian Wood (right ankle sprain) had his status upgraded, but only from out to doubtful. The news is better for Danuel House Jr. (right knee contusion), who moved from out to questionable, but not as good for John Wall (left knee contusion), who remains out.
Even if the door is only slightly ajar, the possibility of a Wood return offers at least some hope. The Rockets are 0-16 since Wood’s Feb. 4 ankle sprain, but they were 7-1 in the previous eight games.
Christian Wood says he’s “real close, I’m right there” in terms of being able to return to the lineup and while he’s listed as doubtful for tomorrow night, he has not ruled out playing: “There’s a chance. I’ll just have to see how I feel tomorrow when we do shoot around.” #Astros pic.twitter.com/bKkvXI3g0l
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 15, 2021
The Rockets could need something out of Wood to compete inside versus Capela, who is averaging 14.8 points (59.7% FG), 14.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 29.5 minutes. Capela ranks first in the NBA in rebounds per game, third in blocks and ninth in field-goal percentage.
Yet, while Capela will certainly be in attendance Tuesday and is likely to receive a tribute video, it’s not a given that he will play, either. Capela is listed as questionable with left heel pain, as is Onyeka Okongwu (right adductor soreness). The Hawks will be without Kris Dunn, De’Andre Hunter, and Cam Reddish due to longer-term injuries.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Tuesday’s game:
- Date: Tuesday, March 16
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (11-26)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Victor Oladipo
- Forward: Sterling Brown
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Center: Justin Patton
Atlanta Hawks (19-20)
- Guard: Trae Young
- Guard: Kevin Huerter
- Forward: Tony Snell
- Forward: John Collins
- Center: Clint Capela
Trae Young ranks just outside the NBA’s top 10 in points per game (26.4), and he’s No. 3 in assists (9.2). With Wall out and Wood doubtful, Young should provide Atlanta with a clear playmaking edge.
It’s the first game of a back-to-back for the Rockets, who host Golden State on Wednesday. That could factor into availability decisions for Houston coach Stephen Silas, since it might not be advisable for players with nagging injuries to be immediately thrown into a back-to-back.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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Not much improvement in Rockets injury report. Christian Wood upgraded from out to doubtful. John Wall still out. Danuel House Jr. upgraded to questionable but Ben McLemore added as questionable with a sprained ankle and David Nwaba moved to out. If all out, back to 8 players.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/BenDuBose/status/1371586178047217664