Rockets center Clint Capela diagnosed with fractured fibula

Houston Rockets center Clint Capela has been diagnosed with a fractured left fibula and could be out as long as six weeks.

However, Capela said he hopes to return before that.

“I will be okay,” Capela said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. “It happens.

“So now I’m just focused on the treatment, rehab stuff. I think I can be back pretty soon. The doctor, he said like a month, and then after that it depends on how I am dealing with the pain. I’m just focused on trying to reduce the pain as much as I can. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be less than six weeks.”

Capela suffered the injury Saturday in the Rockets’ win over Minnesota.

 “They told me it was really a little chip,” Capela said. “Nothing really bad.

“Of course it’s tough, but I’m trying to be positive about it. I’m just going to try to work on my body to try to come back stronger. I’m saying to myself it will be fine, and just keep working hard and listen to what the doctors tell me to do. I just hope to be back as soon as possible.”

Capela is averaging 11.8 points and eight rebounds, while starting in all 28 of the Rockets games this season.

The Rockets, who have won 10 straight games and are the hottest team in the NBA, are expected to use Nene and Montrezl Harrell a great deal more while Capela is out.