NBA teams
Calvin Watkins, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Rockets to start Nene with Clint Capela on sideline

NBA, Houston Rockets

HOUSTON -- With starting center Clint Capela out four to six weeks with a small fracture in his left fibula, the Rockets will start Nene in Tuesday's game against the Spurs.

"You just got to be prepared and be ready," said Nene, who in 23 games is averaging 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. "If you take care of your mind and set yourself in the right way, you will be fine. I've been doing this thing for a long time, so I know."

Capela has been one of the bright spots for the Rockets, who are in the midst of an NBA season-high 10-game winning streak. He has averaged 11.8 points and eight rebounds per game this season. He's also developed a strong pick-and-roll game with point guard James Harden.

"Clint is a key piece to our team and what we're trying to do, it's tough, especially for a young player like that because he's been playing well and finally getting an opportunity to start and play heavy minutes, to go down to an injury like that," Harden said. "We have the right training staff and he'll be back in a few weeks. It's opportunities for Nene and Montrezl [Harrell] and other guys to step up and play big minutes."

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said he can also see power forward Ryan Anderson playing some center in Tuesday's game against the Spurs.

Capela suffered the injury in Saturday's overtime victory against Minnesota.

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