The Houston Rockets are in the middle of a rare break in the NBA schedule, with Friday’s home matchup versus Philadelphia as the team’s only game over a seven-day period.
It comes at a great time for starting center Clint Capela.
Though the 6-foot-10 big man has returned to the lineup since missing two games with a right heel contusion, he indicated at Thursday’s practice that he still didn’t feel completely healthy.
Speaking to reporters, Capela said of his status:
My heel is still a little bit painful, so I have to keep an eye on it. Make sure I come in every morning and do treatments on it. I was real happy to go back out there and especially in a game against Denver, which was really important for us to get this win.
The Rockets (23-11) trail the Nuggets (24-10) by a game for the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings, which is why Tuesday’s victory was so crucial to Houston. Denver was led by seven-footer Nikola Jokic, making Capela’s size and athleticism all the more important.
Capela certainly did his part, scoring 16 points (7-of-12 shooting) and grabbing 10 rebounds in his 30 minutes.
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And with the 76ers (23-13) led by All-Star big man Joel Embiid, that makes Capela’s availability important yet again for Friday’s matchup.
Fortunately for Capela and the Rockets, the team had two off days prior to the game and will have four straight off days after it. That could allow them to push the envelope in a way they might not otherwise be able to.
Head coach Mike D’Antoni indicated at Thursday’s practice that Capela’s game minutes and practice repetitions would be closely monitored.
Regarding Capela’s status, D’Antoni said:
I think he’s a little sore. He’s playing through a little bit. We are cautious of minutes and practices, and all that. I think another couple weeks it could linger a little bit, but it’s getting better.
For the season, Capels is averaging 13.9 points (63.9% shooting), 14.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 33.4 minutes per game. That rebounding total is the second best of any NBA player on a per-game basis.
However, in games on Dec. 23 and Dec. 25 at Sacramento and Golden State after first being listed with a heel injury, Capela shot just 45.5% from the field. That figure was down from nearly 66% over the 25-year-old’s first 25 games of the season.
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In particular, Capela’s explosiveness near the rim appeared to be limited, and that likely played a role in the team’s decision to sit him out for two games last weekend against Brooklyn and New Orleans.
Though Capela looked bouncier Tuesday versus Jokic and the Nuggets, it still doesn’t sound as if he’s 100%. But with the Rockets not playing again after Friday’s game until next Wednesday in Atlanta, Capela should have ample time to rest and heal in the days ahead.