The Houston Rockets are likely to be without their All-Star center, Alperen Sengun, for up to two weeks due to an ankle injury. Sengun sustained the injury early in their 110-104 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. While the team has not set a definite return date and plans to reassess him soon, head coach Ime Udoka mentioned on Monday that Sengun’s recovery could take around 10 to 14 days, depending on improvements in swelling, pain, and mobility.
Just a minute into the game at the American Airlines Center, Sengun was contesting a defensive rebound against Mavericks’ center Daniel Gafford when his right ankle twisted severely as he landed, forcing him to stay on the court until play stopped. He later limped off and was taken out of the game. Sengun is having a standout season, achieving career highs with 21.8 points per game, alongside averages of nine rebounds and 6.5 assists, following his first All-Star appearance last year.
Though this injury interrupts a promising season start and Sengun has a history of ankle problems, this particular injury seems less severe. If he misses the full two weeks, he will sit out eight games but should be ready for the Rockets’ January 20 match against the San Antonio Spurs. Currently, Houston holds a 21-11 record and is fifth in the Western Conference, with their recent loss to the Mavericks halting a four-game winning streak.
Fan Take: Sengun’s injury is a crucial storyline for basketball fans as it tests the Rockets’ depth and resilience without one of their key players during a pivotal part of the season. How the team adapts could significantly influence their playoff positioning while highlighting the impact of star players on a team’s momentum in the competitive Western Conference.
