Rookie big man Alperen Sengun will miss at least one game for the Houston Rockets due to the sprained right ankle he suffered in Friday’s home game versus Miami on New Year’s Eve.
Sengun turned his ankle in the first half and did not return. He was initially listed by the team as questionable to return, which could offer hope that it’s considered by the Rockets to be a relatively minor injury.
The 19-year-old was listed as out in Saturday’s injury report for the Denver game, but it’s worth noting that it is night two of a back-to-back. Thus, it’s possible that Houston is simply erring on the side of caution, which teams often do with any injuries in back-to-back scenarios.
Head coach Stephen Silas is expected to update the situation pregame. For as long as Sengun is out, veteran big man Daniel Theis is likely to replace his minutes as the backup center behind Christian Wood.
Sengun, who was taken at No. 16 overall in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft, is averaging 9.0 points (50.0% FG, 30.8% on 3-pointers), 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 18.4 minutes per game this season.
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Here's the latest #Rockets injury report vs Nuggets tonight:
OUT: Augustin, Mathews, Jarreau (health & safety protocols
OUT: Sengun (right ankle)
DOUBTFUL: Gordon (groin)
PROBABLE: Porter Jr (thigh), Green (hamstring)— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) January 1, 2022
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