Clint Capela’s 2020-21 burst defined a turning point for Atlanta: a rare blend of elite rebounding, rim protection, and efficient finishing that helped the Hawks punch above their weight amid injuries and coaching churn. Paired with Trae Young, he became a lob-and-protect engine that elevated Atlanta’s defense to a respectable level and propelled playoff momentum. The arc that followed—decline in touch, Okongwu’s ascent, and a later Rockets shift—secures Capela’s No. 8 standing in Hawks history for his lasting impact and professional resilience.

Fantasy-wise, Capela offered elite boards and blocks when healthy, a reliable anchor in transition, and a reminder that defensive value can carry a team even when offensive ceiling is limited. His career trajectory with Atlanta illustrates how a skilled roller and rim protector can influence lineups and rotations for years, even as circumstances force changes and role shifts.

Fred VanVleet's ACL tear casts doubt over Houston's 2025-26 outlook. The Rockets declined his $44.9M option, then kept him on a two-year, $50M deal with a 2026-27 player option, anchoring leadership as he rehabes. He averaged 14.9 points and 5.7 assists last season, helping Houston post a 52-win campaign and a seven-game playoff duel with Golden State.

Houston's off-season moved strong: Durant arrives alongside Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela and Steven Adams. The shift lifts title odds to 14-1, behind a select group led by OKC, Cleveland, Denver and New York, signaling a win-now tilt despite VanVleet's absence.

Houston signals a shift toward depth and flexibility as Capela signs on behind Sengun and Adams. Sengun’s move to power forward last season fueled a successful double-big look with Adams, and Capela’s arrival gives Houston a veteran rebounder and rim protector to backstop the lineup. The plan hinges on Sengun’s continued floor-spacing improvement and Udoka’s emphasis on defense and physicality, with Adams’ workload likely to be managed down the stretch.

Capela’s return reopens a dynamic center rotation that could be even more versatile than the previous season, potentially letting Houston deploy two bigs at once while preserving rest for the playoff push. The duo’s presence also elevates the Rockets’ rebounding and interior defense while offering insurance against injuries, setting the stage for a playoff-contending, strategically flexible squad.