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UPDATE 12/31: Harden and Capela are both planning on playing on New Year’s Eve vs. the Nuggets, Yahoo Sports’ Chris B. Haynes reported Tuesday afternoon.
Houston Rockets star James Harden (toe) and center Clint Capela (heel) plan to play tonight against Denver Nuggets, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 31, 2019
So with Harden and Capela likely to play, this is a downgrade for most of the value on the Rockets. Russell Westbrook takes the backseat to Harden again. Danuel House Jr. and PJ Tucker will see minutes, but not as much usage with Capela back. Eric Gordon is still a viable play I think since he’s a floor spacer and should be on the wing for Harden/Russ kicks.
UPDATE 12/30: Harden and Capela are being listed as questionable to play Tuesday vs. the Denver Nuggets.
James Harden and Clint Capela upgraded to questionable to play for the Rockets vs. Nuggets tomorrow. Both were out last night in New Orleans.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 30, 2019
Harden and Capela both missed Sunday’s game vs. the Pels. Harden has a toe injury and Capela’s heel is bothering him again. Without Harden, Cap and Russell Westbrook (rest), we saw the Rockets struggle vs. New Orleans. Russ should be back and if Harden is out, Westbrook is a top overall play on DraftKings. If Harden and Cap are out, House and Gordon are the best cash-game options depending on their price.
UPDATE: Harden has been ruled out, per coach Mike D’Antoni. Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers will start in the backcourt with The Beard and Russ sidelined.
Per MDA, Austin Rivers and Eric Gordon will start as James Harden (toe sprain) is out tonight against New Orleans.
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) December 29, 2019
So Gordon and Rivers are good value plays, and I still like McLemore, House and Tucker. This is an easy matchup vs. the Pels for the Rockets and there are a lot of minutes and usage to make up for with Harden, Russ and Capela all out.
Houston Rockets G James Harden is questionable to play in Sunday night’s game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans. C Clint Capela is out and PG Russell Westbrook will sit on the second of a back-to-back.
Clint Capela is OUT tonight with the right heel contusion. Russell Westbrook will sit on the second night of the back-to-back. James Harden is listed as questionable with a right toe sprain.
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) December 29, 2019
Harden is dealing with a toe injury and may sit out tonight. Russ is getting rest as expected, while Capela remains out with a heel issue. If all three are going to sit vs. the Pels, the Rockets’ lineup will be extremely thin and we’ll get a ton of value. PJ Tucker, Danuel House Jr. and Eric Gordon should see 30+ minutes and heavy usage compared to what they’re used to seeing. Ben McLemore should also see plenty of minutes and is a great value play at $4,000 on DraftKings. All four rotation players are priced under $5K and will be chalk if Harden sits.