Houston Rockets big man Clint Capela will not play in his team's game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night due to a heel contusion, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com.
The Rockets downgraded center Clint Capela from doubtful to out against the Nets due to the heel contusion that's been bothering him.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 28, 2019
Capela has been an integral part of the Rockets' success this season, as he is averaging 13.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.9 blocks over 33.6 minutes per game while shooting 64.2 percent from the floor and 48.6 percent from the free-throw line.
The 25-year-old was originally selected by Houston in the first round (25th pick overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft.
Capela played in just 12 games during his rookie campaign, but the following year, he carved out a significant role in the Rockets' frontcourt, appearing in 77 contests with 35 starts. During that time, he registered 7.0 points, 6.4 boards, and 1.2 blocks across 19.1 minutes a night while making 58.2 percent of his field-goal attempts and 37.9 percent of his foul shots.
Injuries limited the Switzerland native to just 65 games in 2016-17, but with Dwight Howard gone, Capela became Houston's full-time starter, recording 12.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, one assist, and 1.2 blocks through 23.9 minutes per game while connecting on 64.3 percent of his shots and 53.1 percent of his free throws.
Capela then had a breakout season of sorts in 2017-18, participating in 74 games and tallying 13.9 points, 10.8 boards and 1.9 blocks over 27.5 minutes per game, leading the NBA in field-goal percentage (65.2 percent).
He continued to improve last year, posting 16.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.5 blocks across 33.6 minutes a night after landing a lucrative contract extension from the Rockets.
Houston is currently 21-10 on the season and sits in fourth place in the Western Conference.
Follow Us
Subscribe