Clint Capela is out for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves with a right ankle injury, one day after he was listed day-to-day. The Rockets will play without him at 8:30 PM ET, and Steven Adams is also out.
What happened
The Rockets' injury report at 1:45 PM ET on Wednesday lists Clint Capela as out with a right ankle injury, also described as a right leg issue. He had been day-to-day on Tuesday. The report says Capela (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. His status has changed every day this week. He was day-to-day on Sunday, out on Monday, day-to-day on Tuesday and is out again now. The report gives an expected return date of Nov. 7.
What it means for the Rockets
Houston hosts Minnesota on Wednesday at 8:30 PM ET with a 7-1 record and two straight wins. Capela is averaging 14.2 minutes, 3.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in six games this season. The Rockets are 5-1 with him and 2-0 without him. In those two games, Jabari Smith Jr. averaged 34.5 minutes and 18.4 points, and Alperen Sengun averaged 34.4 minutes and 23.3 points. Kevin Durant played 33.6 minutes, Amen Thompson 32.8 and Fred VanVleet 29.9. Tari Eason (24.5), Marcus Smart (24.1) and Reed Sheppard (22.0) filled out the rotation. Steven Adams is also out with a right calf issue.
What to watch
The injury report lists Nov. 7 as Capela's expected return date. The Rockets have not announced anything beyond that, and no diagnosis or timeline has been released. His status has moved back and forth all week, so the next report is the one to check. Watch whether he returns to day-to-day before Nov. 7. Also watch how Smith and Sengun handle the heavy minutes against Minnesota.
Is Clint Capela playing vs the Timberwolves?
No. The injury report lists Capela as out for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves because of a right ankle injury. Tip-off is at 8:30 PM ET.
When will Clint Capela be back?
The injury report gives an expected return date of Nov. 7. The Rockets have not announced a diagnosis or a longer timeline. His status has changed daily this week, so the next report matters.