20 Dec. 2016– Just when everything was going great for the Houston Rockets, big man Clint Capela exited the game in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite winning the game, and keeping their current win streak going, the concern over Capela’s health continued to linger.
According to several reports, Capela has a broken fibula in his left leg. He had an MRI yesterday, head coach Mike D’Antoni said that 22 year old Swiss native would undergo a few more tests. With that being said, Capela will probably be out till after January. Disputes over a new contract has kept Donatas Motiejunas off the roster, and now the Rockets must rely on veteran Nene, and youngster Montrezl Harrell. Now given both have had a decent season, but neither give the Houston that much needed interior threat on both sides of the court. For a team that lives and dies by the three, James Harden and Clint Capela have forced teams to respect their pick and roll game, allowing their shooters to get better shots from behind the arc.
This will be quite tricky for D’Antoni. Whether he starts with Harrell, or Nene, the Rockets offense just won’t be as smooth. So no matter what he decides to do, it will be up to the back-ups to step up. Harrell has been a constant energizer bunny for the team, grabbing rebounds, lose balls, and the occasional blocks in the paint. With that being said, his size (6’8) is a major concern for whenever opposing teams decide to go big. Had Nene been a few years younger, that may not have been a problem, but that’s not the case here. The former Washington Wizard has been effective, and has proven to be a good signing over the summer. Sill, he simply can’t do that for an excessive amount of minutes. Especially over a span of what might be up to six weeks. Coach D’Antoni has in fact elected to rest the veteran at times to keep him fresh, and off the injury list. Now, to keep his team where they are, he might not be able to do that.
Facing the always tough San Antonio Spurs tonight, Houston will be tested for sure. However, believe it or not, this is the best match-up they could have asked for right after losing Capela. Now before you call me crazy, here me out. Does it really matter if the Houston Rockets can beat teams like the 76ers without Capela, or is it more important to see them able to at the very least compete with top-level squads while being shorthanded? Facing the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, and Pau Gasol will give Rockets fans a fairly decent idea of what to expect from Harrel, and Nene until Capela gets back. The two Texas powerhouses face-off tonight at 3:00AM local time.
Article by: Nick Husni
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