Houston Rockets: 5 Midseason Takeaways

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Dec 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) scores a basket during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Productivity From Bigs

The bigs for the Rockets have surprised a lot of people so far this season. The productivity from veteran center Nene Hilario, second-year center Montrezl Harrell and usual starter Clint Capela have proven to be a solid rotation for the guard-oriented Rockets.

Capela was sidelined in December for a left fibula fracture and made his first start since the injury Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has filled the Dwight Howard void quite well and made tremendous strides in just his third year. The athleticism Capela brings and his ability to catch and finish lobs have been a staple in Houston’s offense.

Harrell saw the starting lineup in Capela’s absence and developed well. He is averaging 9.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game — numbers that don’t really jump out at you, but they’ve gotten the job done.

Nene has proven that age is just a number. The 15-year veteran has played well at times but has been a rim protector that the Rockets have needed. With Howard parting ways and going to the Atlanta Hawks, Nene was acquired to help man the paint.

With the help of the Big Three in the paint, the Rockets might have found their center rotation, which is important heading into the second half of the season and postseason.

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