Clint Capela will start Friday's game against Dallas, giving the lineup a familiar anchor as the team continues to adjust around Alperen Sengun's absence.
The move follows Capela's best workload of the season on Wednesday, when he logged 22 minutes in a win over Milwaukee. He made the most of it, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks.
Capela makes his case
Wednesday's performance was a strong reminder of what Capela can still offer when given a larger role. The numbers were productive across the board, and the defensive activity stood out just as much as the scoring.
That matters because the starting spot has already been affected by Sengun's absence. Tari Eason got the nod on Wednesday, but Capela's return to the first unit for Friday suggests another adjustment in the rotation.
What it means against Dallas
For Friday, the key detail is simple: Capela is in the starting five. After a season-high 22 minutes and a complete stat line against Milwaukee, he now gets another opportunity to build on that momentum against Dallas.
The only question left is whether that role becomes more permanent while Sengun remains out. For now, Capela has earned the chance to start, and the next performance will help show how long that opportunity lasts.
