Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun’s sprained ankle is at about “60 percent,” per Space City Home Network sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson.
Alperen Sengun Hands Out Injury Progress Report
“I mean I feel great,” Sengun says of his injury. “We had a lot of [improvement] in my ankle and my knee. Working hard. Working every day.
Feels so much better than after Sacramento”
Before tonight’s #Rockets game with the Warriors @SportsVanessa had an update on Alperen Sengun
Join us for @HoustonRockets basketball on SCHN pic.twitter.com/34teeXSn4G
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) April 5, 2024
“I mean I feel good but we still have to make it stronger,” Sengun explains. “I don’t feel that strong right now in my ankle.”
The Rockets have gone 9-3 since Sengun was injured in their victory over the Sacramento Kings.
However, they’ve started to lose steam. After winning nine consecutive games without Sengun amid an 11-game win streak, Houston has dropped their last three. Furthermore, while those losses were to respectable opponents (the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors), the Rockets lost those games by a combined 48 points.
As a result, Sengun is once again being missed. Jalen Green has performed admirably since Sengun went out, averaging 28.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in their last 12 contests. However, Sengun leads the team in points per game (21.1) and rebounds per game (9.3), while ranking second in assists per game (5.0).
With six games remaining on the schedule, the Rockets are in a race against time as they try to reach the 2024 NBA Playoffs. At 38-38, they’re 11th in the West and 4.0 games behind the Warriors. Even if Houston wins every game, they could still miss the postseason. The Rockets need to win at least five of their next six games to reach the Play-In Tournament.
Last Word on Alperen Sengun
Sengun could return from his injury this season.
With the Rockets on the precipice of a postseason berth, there’s a clear incentive for it. However, Sengun’s long-term outlook should take priority. Under contract through the 2024-25 season, the Rockets can lock Sengun in until the end of the decade with an extension and that’s the expanse of time that Houston should focus on.
At 21 years old, Sengun has become their best player. As someone who desires to be great rather than just make a paycheck and go home, his work ethic inspires confidence in his ability to completely unlock his potential.
