Alperen Sengun’s Injury Weakens the Houston Rockets
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 face a delicate situation in their frontcourt. Alperen Sengun, their 23-year-old All-Star center, injured his right ankle during the loss to the Dallas Mavericks (104-110) on Saturday night. The Turkish player had to leave the court before the second half.
An injury that comes at the wrong time
The incident occurred in the first quarter, when Sengun landed awkwardly after grabbing a rebound in traffic. The Rockets immediately called a timeout to allow their player to exit the court. Examinations revealed a lateral sprain of the right ankle.
This injury deprives Houston of their best interior player at a time when the team is having an excellent season. Sengun, selected for the first time to the All-Star Game last season, is posting career statistics with 22.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
Clint Capela the only survivor in the paint
The situation becomes critical for the Rockets, who see their frontcourt decimated by injuries. Steven Adams, the backup center, was already missing his second consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain. This accumulation of physical setbacks leaves Clint Capela as the only available center on the roster.
The Rockets, currently ranked in the top 4 of the Western Conference, will have to wait for additional examinations to determine the exact severity of Sengun’s injury. Pending the results, the Texas team will have to make do with a diminished roster in a crucial area.
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