The Houston Rockets are listing the playing status of James Harden and Clint Capela as questionable for Tuesday’s home showdown against the Denver Nuggets on New Year’s Eve.
Harden missed Sunday’s loss in New Orleans with what the team called a sprained right big toe, though head coach Mike D’Antoni later clarified that his superstar guard was also dealing with a sore knee.
Both incidents are believed to have occurred during Saturday’s home win over Brooklyn, which Harden finished out.
D’Antoni said Harden “probably could” have played Sunday, if the game was more meaningful. The 30-year-old easily leads the NBA this season at 38.3 points per game, and he’s also in the top 10 in assists at 7.5.
Comparatively speaking, Tuesday’s game could be more meaningful, since the Rockets (22-11) are chasing the Nuggets (23-9) for the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings. With Houston having already lost a game at Denver in November, a loss Tuesday would put the Rockets in a tough spot regarding any potential tiebreaker between the teams.
Thus, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rockets sat Harden on Sunday with an eye on having him fresher for the Nuggets game.
If the league’s 2018 MVP is unable to go, the Rockets would likely start either Austin Rivers or Eric Gordon in his place alongside Russell Westbrook in the Houston backcourt. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. Central.
Meanwhile, Capela is also questionable for Tuesday’s game after missing two straight contests with a right heel contusion. The 25-year-old big man is averaging 13.9 points (64.2% shooting), 14.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 33.6 minutes per game this season, and his athleticism has historically made him a tough matchup for Denver’s Nikola Jokic.
If Capela doesn’t play, the Rockets could start Isaiah Hartenstein instead. With Capela out during this weekend’s back-to-back, the 21-year-old seven-footer performed well in his place with averages of 14 points (72.2% shooting) and 11 rebounds in 29.3 minutes per game.
