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HOUSTON -- Though he was at least a partial participant in Monday’s shootaround, the Rockets were again without All-Star center Alperen Sengun (low back pain) for their home matchup versus the Lakers.
It’s the second consecutive game that Sengun has missed with that designation. With their Turkish big man sidelined, the Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
Monday’s Rockets-Lakers game is an important one in the Western Conference playoff race, as Los Angeles and Houston entered tied in the loss column (42-25 and 41-25) in the tightly packed standings. Those are the third-fewest losses among all West teams.
With per-game averages of 20.2 points (50.3% FG), 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, Sengun is enjoying another strong statistical season. So, in a perfect world, the Rockets would certainly prefer to have him available.
But tracking data suggests that his defense has slipped relative to last season, and it’s conceivable that physical ailments could be at least part of the explanation. With that in mind, it seems the Rockets are trying to give the 23-year-old at least a few days off to try and get right.
With Sengun sidelined, head coach Ime Udoka chose to start backup center Clint Capela alongside the usual quartet of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.
At least initially, that puts Capela in line to play against Lakers big man Deandre Ayton. It’s the first time those two have faced off since a series of subtle (and not so subtle) digs in February.
Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. Central from Toyota Center, with the game televised and streamed regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via Peacock and NBC Sports Network. Houston is an impressive 23-8 in home games this season.
The Rockets and Lakers will meet again at the same time on Wednesday, also from Houston. It remains to be seen if Sengun will be available for the rematch.
More: The Athletic on Rockets’ top priority: ‘Get Alperen Sengun back on track’
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets center Alperen Sengun remains sidelined with back pain
Continue reading...
It’s the second consecutive game that Sengun has missed with that designation. With their Turkish big man sidelined, the Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
Monday’s Rockets-Lakers game is an important one in the Western Conference playoff race, as Los Angeles and Houston entered tied in the loss column (42-25 and 41-25) in the tightly packed standings. Those are the third-fewest losses among all West teams.
With per-game averages of 20.2 points (50.3% FG), 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, Sengun is enjoying another strong statistical season. So, in a perfect world, the Rockets would certainly prefer to have him available.
But tracking data suggests that his defense has slipped relative to last season, and it’s conceivable that physical ailments could be at least part of the explanation. With that in mind, it seems the Rockets are trying to give the 23-year-old at least a few days off to try and get right.
With Sengun sidelined, head coach Ime Udoka chose to start backup center Clint Capela alongside the usual quartet of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.
At least initially, that puts Capela in line to play against Lakers big man Deandre Ayton. It’s the first time those two have faced off since a series of subtle (and not so subtle) digs in February.
Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. Central from Toyota Center, with the game televised and streamed regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via Peacock and NBC Sports Network. Houston is an impressive 23-8 in home games this season.
The Rockets and Lakers will meet again at the same time on Wednesday, also from Houston. It remains to be seen if Sengun will be available for the rematch.
More: The Athletic on Rockets’ top priority: ‘Get Alperen Sengun back on track’
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets center Alperen Sengun remains sidelined with back pain
Continue reading...
