Clint Capela likely to play against Lakers in Los Angeles on Thursday

Houston center Clint Capela said he expects to be back in the lineup Thursday when the Rockets meet the Lakers in Los Angeles. He has been out with ligament damage to his right thumb since Jan. 13. The Rockets went 9-6 in his absence. He was back at practice on Tuesday. "It felt great," Capela, 24, told ESPN. "I was really happy about it, so now I'm ready to go." Capela has played in 42 games, averaging 17.6 points and 12.6 rebounds. The Rockets will return from the All-Star break in fifth place in the NBA's Western Conference, one game behind Portland.