The Rockets may have to adjust their center rotation in a hurry. Ime Udoka said imaging on Alperen Sengun’s back showed a mild low back strain, and the team will be cautious with the All-Star center after he was hurt early in Monday’s 120-110 win over the Hawks.
Sengun felt something in his back early in the game, but he still played through the issue before the pain worsened after the final buzzer. After Monday’s game, the Rockets had imaging done, and Udoka later said the results pointed to a mild strain that could keep Sengun out for a few games.
Why this matters for the Rockets
The timing is the biggest issue. The Rockets are already without Steven Adams because of a right soleus strain, which leaves them short on their top two center options. That makes Sengun’s status more than a short-term concern, especially with Wednesday’s game coming up.
If Sengun is unavailable, Clint Capela is likely to start at center on Wednesday. The Rockets have not had much time to sort through alternatives, so the rotation around the five spot could change quickly until Sengun is cleared to return.
Sengun has been in strong form
The injury interrupts a strong stretch for Sengun. Through the first four games, he was averaging 24.5 points per game while shooting 58% from the field. In Monday’s win, he logged 37 minutes and finished with 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting, along with nine rebounds, nine assists and six steals.
That production is a big reason the Rockets will be careful here. Udoka said the team will take a measured approach, and that makes sense given how important Sengun is to both the scoring load and the overall structure of the offense.
Sengun said he felt ready before the setback
Before the injury update, Sengun said he felt healthy heading into the season. He pointed to a quiet summer, saying he played only two national team games in July and spent the rest of the time working with Walker Miller and Ohrun Güngören. He also said he came to training camp fresh and felt his best after sticking to a good diet program.
Now the focus shifts to recovery and the Rockets’ short-term frontcourt plan. With Adams already out, Sengun’s health will shape how the team manages the center spot over the next few games.
