Rockets' Capela out 4-6 weeks after undergoing thumb surgery

Houston Rockets center Clint Capela is expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, the team announced Thursday.

Capela suffered the injury during the third quarter of Sunday's 116-109 loss to the Orlando Magic.

The fifth-year big man is having a strong season after signing a five-year, $90-million contract to remain in Houston this past summer. In 42 appearances, the 6-foot-10 Swiss national has averaged 17.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.

The Rockets currently sit fifth in the Western Conference with a 25-19 record, just 1.5 games ahead of the ninth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.