After missing two games with left calf tightness, Alperen Sengun appears ready to return to Houston’s lineup. Steven Adams, however, is questionable after spraining his right ankle.
After taking two games off to rest, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (left calf tightness) will likely be listed as “probable” for Thursday’s game at Brooklyn, per head coach Ime Udoka.
Sengun, a 2025 NBA All-Star, participated in a workout Tuesday and was “feeling much better,” Udoka told Rockets Wire. Sengun hasn’t played since Houston’s Christmas win over the Lakers in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the status of veteran backup Steven Adams is more unclear. Adams sprained his right ankle during Monday’s win over Indiana, and some “swelling and stiffness” was reported.
While some improvement was noted Tuesday, Adams did not participate in the team’s practice activities. Udoka said that he currently views Adams as “questionable” to play against the Nets (10-20), though an official injury report won’t be issued until Wednesday evening.
By that time, the Rockets could have updated information on how both players are progressing.
Sengun, 23, is averaging 22.7 points (50.8% FG), 9.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Adams, 32, is averaging 6.0 points (49.1% FG) and 8.4 rebounds in 21.7 minutes.
While neither injury is considered long-term in nature, any short-term absence could open up more minutes for third-string veteran Clint Capela. With Sengun sidelined the past two games, Capela has averaged 5.0 points (50.0% FG) and 7.5 rebounds in 15.5 minutes.
The Rockets (20-10) enter Thursday on a three-game winning streak and at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings. Tipoff is at 5:00 p.m. Central on New Year’s Day, and the game will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network (SCHN) and nationally via NBA League Pass.
