Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka delivered a meaningful frontcourt update Monday, November 9, saying the team is targeting either its November 15 game at Washington or November 16 matchup at Miami for the potential returns of centers Steven Adams and Clint Capela. Those dates are targets, not guaranteed clearance to play, but the update gives Houston a clearer outlook as it navigates multiple absences in the middle.
Adams has been dealing with a right soleus strain, an injury involving the calf, and has missed the Rockets’ past eight games. Capela has missed three contests after rolling his ankle during the October 31 game against Oklahoma City. Houston’s depth was stretched further Monday when Oscar Tshiebwe was unavailable because of illness, leaving Alperen Şengün as the team’s only healthy traditional center for the matchup with Denver and Nikola Jokić.
Udoka said Houston was prepared to mix in smaller lineups and different defensive coverages rather than rely exclusively on one-on-one matchups with Jokić. Jabari Smith Jr., Marcus Smart and Jae’Sean Tate were among the options he discussed for absorbing defensive assignments. Getting Adams and Capela back would add size, rebounding and flexibility, especially against bigger Western Conference opponents. Until the Rockets formally clear either veteran, however, the November 15–16 window should be treated as a hopeful timetable rather than a confirmed return date.