WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Swiss center Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets will miss the next four to six weeks of the NBA season with a right thumb injury, according to multiple reports Monday.
The Houston Chronicle and ESPN reported that Capela, who suffered the injury in a Sunday loss to Orlando, underwent an MRI Monday that showed right thumb ligament damage.
Capela, who signed a five-year deal worth a reported $80 million, was hurt in the third quarter while leaping for a lob pass.
The 24-year-old Swiss, in his fifth NBA season, is averaging 17.6 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots a game for the Rockets, who share fifth in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Clippers at 24-18.
Brazil’s Nene is likely to replace Capela at center for the Rockets, who are already without guards Chris Paul, expected back next week with a sore left hamstring, and Eric Gordon, expected back this week after a right knee injury.
© Agence France-Presse
