Rockets hopeful of imminent Harden return; Capela less certain

The Rockets appear optimistic that James Harden (bruised thigh) will play in Portland, but it’s less clear regarding Clint Capela (heel).

The Houston Rockets reportedly expect All-Star guard James Harden (bruised left thigh) back for Wednesday’s game in Portland, but the outlook for center Clint Capela (right heel contusion) is less certain.

Both injured starters missed Monday’s win by the Rockets (29-17) in Utah, while Harden also sat out Sunday’s loss at Denver.

In Tuesday’s official NBA injury report, each player was listed by the Rockets as questionable for the Trail Blazers game.

Citing a source, however, the Houston Chronicle‘s Jonathan Feigen reported optimism from the team about Harden’s Wednesday return.

Though Harden has slumped in January, the 2018 MVP still leads the NBA this season with a historic 36.1 points per game scoring average. No other player has averaged that many points in over 30 years, and Harden is also in the league’s top 10 in assists at 7.3 per game.

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By contrast, the medical reports on Capela are more mixed. The 6-foot-10 big man has missed four games over the past month with a nagging right heel contusion that never fully went away, and Feigen reported Tuesday that the Rockets are concerned it could remain an issue until he gets extended time off over the All-Star break in mid-February.

Feigen writes:

Capela’s heel issue has become increasingly stubborn and troublesome with potential to limit him through the All-Star break.

But after being listed as doubtful for Monday, Capela being listed as questionable for Wednesday does represent a small upgrade.

In the 2019-20 season, the 25-year-old Capela is averaging 14.2 points (62.8% shooting), 13.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 33.2 minutes per game. His per-game rebounding total is fourth in the league.

Tip-off between the Rockets and Blazers (20-27) is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Central time on Wednesday. The next extended update on Harden and Capela will likely come when head coach Mike D’Antoni meets with the media about 90 minutes before the start of the game.

The game in Portland is the last of a four-game road trip for the Rockets, who are 2-1 to this point. They will then have an extended stretch with five of seven games at home in Houston leading into the All-Star break, which could offer more time for nagging injuries to heal.