Report: Clint Capela to return Thursday against the Lakers

Houston Rockets center Clint Capela is expecting to make his return Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Capela had missed 15 games with a right thumb injury and had been out since Jan. 13.

Rockets center Clint Capela is returning to practice today after missing 15 games due to ligament damage in his right thumb. Barring a setback, he's expected to play Thursday against the Lakers.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 20, 2019

Clint Capela spent the All-Star break in Houston working out and playing 1-on-1 against Rockets reserve center Isaiah Hartenstein. His surgically repaired right thumb passed all tests. “It felt great,” Capela said. “I was really happy about it, so now I’m ready to go.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 20, 2019

Capela had to receive surgery on his right thumb to repair ligament damage and the Rockets were left without a starting center for a short period of time. Houston signed big man Kenneth Faried after he had been waived by the Brooklyn Nets to start in Capela’s absence.

Faried averaged a healthy 15.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks on 63.7 percent true shooting in 12 games for Houston. The Rockets went 9-7 in Clint Capela’s absence and were severely devoid of significant size.

“We’re all excited Clint is coming back”, Rockers owner Tilman Fertitta said to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle on Monday. “Once Clint comes back, helps our defense, rebounding and our offense, I’m pretty excited about it.”