Capela Set to Return, Rockets Kick off Second Season in L.A.
Stretch Run. Return of the Big Guy. Kryptonite for a King.
One game can make all the difference in a team’s quest to make the playoffs. This season, the standings are so jam-packed in the West. The conference is as crowded as its ever been as teams battle for playoff positioning. The NBA’s “second half” gets underway on Thursday night, as the Rockets battle the Lakers in Los Angeles. Houston’s big fella is finally back. Clint Capela is set to make his return Thursday night in Los Angeles, as the Rockets and Lakers face off for the final time this season. L.A. is in desperation mode. As we kick off the latter part of the NBA season, the Lakers sit in tenth place in the West, two games out of a playoff spot. LeBron James and co. have one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league. LBJ will have the Lake Show primed and ready to play with a sense of urgency. LeBron recently said the Lakers playoff intensity has been “activated.” Houston sits in the fifth spot, right in the thick of competition out West. If the Rockets want to grab one of the top three seeds, they’ll have to finish strong as the stretch run approaches. To beat the Lakers, Houston will need to match L.A.’s activated desperation and sense of urgency.
Clint Capela returns just in time for the Rockets. They face difficult tests in their upcoming games, traveling to Oakland to face the Warriors after Thursday night’s game in Los Angeles. Houston’s emerging center missed 15 games due to a right thumb injury. Thanks to the MVP and the Manimal, the Rockets managed a respectable 9-6 record during Capela’s absence. However, Capela’s absence was felt on the glass, and his return puts Houston inches away from being completely healthy for the first time all season. Iman Shumpert will miss the next two games. Even coming out of a break, a Rocket winds up on the injury report. Houston still can’t catch a break in the health department. Hopefully when Shumpert returns, the squad can maintain some durability down the stretch and into the playoffs.
James Harden has torched the Lakers all season. To be fair, the Beard’s torched everyone, but The Unguardable Tour began on December 13th against the Lakers. Harden dropped a 50-point triple-double and has dominated defenses league-wide ever since. The Beard is averaging 44.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 dimes against L.A. this season. Harden is lights out when suiting up opposite the purple and gold. The reigning-MVP is shooting 50.7 percent from the field, including 41.5 percent from long range. The Lakers bring out the best in the Beard. Harden’s team also might be the King’s kryptonite. The Rockets bring out the worst in LeBron. LeBron is 12-17 against the Rockets since entering the league, his worst record against any opponent in his career. The Lakers lost four of their last five games heading into the All-Star break. L.A. needs to start a hot streak soon, if they want a chance at making the playoffs. That start may be delayed as another streak comes into L.A. The Unguardable Tour makes a pit stop at Staples Center. The Lakers season isn’t over. They still have hopes for a playoff spot. But The Unguardable Tour isn’t over either. And Harden’s been crushing the hopes of his peers all season long. One game at a time.
Staples Center: Los Angeles, California
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (33-24): “Earned” Crimson Red
Los Angeles Lakers (28-29): Yellow
TV: 9:30 PM CT – TNT