Houston, we have a problem.
According to a report by French sports publication L’Equipe on Monday, Houston Rockets center Clint Capela has a fractured fibula and will be sidelined for several weeks.
Capela, 22, has been an invaluable part of the Rockets’ 21-7 start to the season. He’s averaging 11.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in 2016-17 as his athletic rim runs open up the perimeter for Houston’s army of shooters and for James Harden to slice up defenses. Capela has also been vital to Houston’s defensive identity with his ability to cover the pick-and-roll as well as to protect the paint.
For the Rockets, who made it a priority to get minutes for Capela even when Dwight Howard was still around, they’ll turn to Nene and Montrezl Harrell in the meantime (or perhaps even Ryan Anderson or Sam Dekker in certain downsized lineup combinations). Regardless though of who they trot out there, Capela’s absence is virtually certain to be felt on both ends of the floor.
Image via Clint Capela on Instagram
