Capela returns to action against Thunder; Paul remains out
OKLAHOMA CITY — Center Clint Capela returned to the Rockets’ starting lineup after missing three of the previous four games with a bruised left heel, but guard Chris Paul remained out, with the team hopeful he will return from a strained groin muscle to play one game in the upcoming back-to-back.
Paul went through a lengthy pregame workout after participating in some of Saturday’s practice. But the Rockets will want him to have a full practice Tuesday and then choose a game for his return, either Thursday in Boston or Friday in Washington.
Capela, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds Monday, was dealing with his injury but said it has improved since he played with it Dec. 18.
Capela hurt his foot when he landed awkwardly while catching a fast-break pass from James Harden on Dec. 15 against San Antonio.
“I’m playing with some pain a little bit,” Capela said. “I’m going to make sure to ice after the game, and it shouldn’t get worse. (Against the Jazz), I was playing on my toes. My calves were sore the next day. I’m past that. It shouldn’t get worse, anyway.”
Capela ranks first in the NBA in field-goal percentage, sixth in rebounding and sixth in blocked shots. He is on pace to be the first player to average at least 13 points and 11 rebounds in less than 26 minutes per game.
Coach Mike D’Antoni said Paul “felt it a little bit” after Sunday’s practice.
“We have a couple days after this,” D’Antoni said. “Then, we’ll see. He won’t play the back-to-back. Maybe (he’ll play) one of the games, hopefully.”
Weber gets nod at backup point
With Chris Paul out, Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni stuck with Brianté Weber as the backup point guard while Eric Gordon starts.
Weber, who is on a two-way contract with the Rockets’ G League affiliate, played for five minutes against the Clippers, with D’Antoni choosing him rather than Demetrius Jackson or Bobby Brown — who played early in the season when Paul was out — largely on instinct.
“We have to clean some things up,” D’Antoni said. “He can’t hesitate. He had a shot he has to go ahead and take. He has to play his game. You go with a guy, and you try. I like his swagger a little bit.”
Weber, who logged 17 minutes Monday, said his first playing time with the regulars was enough to play confidently.
“It’s a learning process, just trying to figure out what to do to play my game and not take away from what the team has,” Weber said. “Every minute I get, I’ll be more comfortable with the players that’s out there. I definitely heard (about not taking an open shot). That helps me even more with my comfort level to play the way I played in the G League, just being relaxed and doing what I do.”
Christmas game taken as honor
Though there might be other things Rockets players and coaches would like to do on Christmas, there was also a compliment they cited about being among the teams selected to play on the NBA’s showcase day.
“It’s an honor to be able to play on Christmas, though sometimes it’s a pain in the rear, especially (for) young guys with families,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. “But, it’s part of our job. We’re one of the top teams and pretty thankful for that. That’s important. That’s what we’re trying to do. So we can’t have it both ways.”
Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan was also happy with what it means to be playing Christmas.
“It’s a great honor,” Donovan said before the Thunder won 112-107. “This is a marquee day for the NBA. The fact that your team is recognized to play this day is great. This is what we do for a living. This is our job. When you get the opportunity to be recognized it’s very positive.”