Clint Capela

Sengun was a game-time decision for Thursday's game due to a sprained right ankle, but he's good to go. He'll take on his usual role as the starting center, with Clint Capela missing out on a potential increase to his playing time.

The Rockets will already be without Steven Adams, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tari Eason, so losing Sengun would make them desperately short on big men. Of course, the Hawks will also be without their starting center, Onyeka Okongwu, so both teams could go with smaller lineups. Clint Capela would be in line to start if Sengun misses this game.

Eason played 25 minutes in Wednesday's game against the Spurs, but the plan was always to sit him for the second leg of the back-to-back. With Dorian Finney-Smith also sitting out, there should be extra minutes for Clint Capela and maybe even Jae'Sean Tate.

Adams' absence is a big blow to Houston's rotation, as the big man has contributed strong defense and rebounding in 2025-26. Tari Eason should see a bump in playing time, while Clint Capela could pick up some extra minutes off the bench. The Rockets will likely roll with smaller lineups, and Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson will have more responsibility as rebounders.

Capela hasn't been more than a depth piece down low for the Rockets this season, which hasn't resulted in much production in the box score. However, with Steven Adams (ankle) out indefinitely, Capela has taken on more minutes and was able to contribute some boards and blocks in this game. He'll be a solid reserve moving forward, but as long as Alperen Sengun is healthy, Capela won't play enough to be worth rostering.