Alperen Sengun out 10 to 14 days after ankle sprain
Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) lays injured during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets will have to manage without their star center Alperen Sengun for approximately two weeks. The Turkish player injured his right ankle in the first minute of the Texas derby against Dallas on Saturday, forcing his team to fall to the Mavericks.
A minor sprain but requiring rest
Two days after the injury, Rockets coach Ime Udoka provided reassuring news about his star player. « It will probably be around two weeks, » confirmed the coach before facing the Suns. « We’re going to re-examine him at the end of the week, but we need to reduce the swelling in his ankle, improve his pain tolerance and restore his mobility. But he’ll be out for about 10 to 14 days. »
This right ankle sprain could sideline Sengun for five to ten games, including some particularly challenging ones. The Rockets will notably face Oklahoma City and Minnesota in a difficult back-to-back, without their playmaker in the paint.
On his way to his second All-Star Game with impressive averages of 21.8 points, 9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, the Turkish center represents a key element of the Rockets‘ system this season.
Steven Adams and Clint Capela to fill in
During Sengun‘s absence, Houston will be able to count on Steven Adams and Clint Capela to fill in at the center position. Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson will also need to take on more responsibilities in the Texas team’s offensive playmaking.
The Rockets have already shown they can adapt, winning against the Suns in their first game without their center. Upcoming matchups against Portland (twice), Sacramento and Chicago will provide the team with an opportunity to confirm its ability to stay on course in the absence of its key player.
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