As the Houston Rockets prepare to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, they face a big setback. Starting center Alperen Sengun has been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a calf injury. Here’s what happened to him.

What Happened to Alperen Sengun?

According to the team, Sengun, who was listed as questionable ahead of tonight’s game, is sitting out due to left calf tightness. He was previously listed as questionable ahead of the Rockets’ Christmas Day game against the Los Angeles, but was cleared to play. So far, not much is known about the severity of the injury.

Sengun’s is just the latest in a series of calf injuries around the league to a variety of players, and after Tyrese Haliburton’s NBA Finals Achilles injury being a result of pushing through a calf strain. Even recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo came back early from a similar injury, further sidelining him with a soleus strain.

Even on the other side today, star Evan Mobley recently returned from a calf strain, coming off the bench in limited minutes previously against the New York Knicks on Christmas, and continues to do so tonight. The Rockets are likely to monitor Sengun’s status carefully, and they have enough room in the standings to afford him enough time to rest.

What Is Alperen Sengun’s Injury Status?

Sengun’s current injury designation is  ‘out,’ downgraded from ‘questionable’ earlier in the day. Since the severity of the injury is unclear, we don’t have a clear indication of his expected return. However, it’s safe to assume that this is likely a precautionary measure, given the calf issues currently affecting the league.

The center previously missed two games this season due to illness, but was back in the lineup immediately afterwards.

Top Stories

Kyrie Irving Breaks Silence After Injury Return Update Emerges

Prayers Pour In For Napheesa Collier After Unfortunate Health Announcement

Is Austin Reaves Dating YouTuber SteveWillDoIt’s Ex-Girlfriend? Fact Checking Viral Claim

Michael Jordan Could Have Repaired Scottie Pippen Relationship if He Wanted To: Former Teammate

Are Nuggets Signing DeMarcus Cousins? Fact Checking the Viral News

How Will the Houston Rockets Line Up Without Sengun?

Even without Alperen Sengun suiting up, the Rockets have plenty of big men who can fill his minutes.

Tonight, the team started Steven Adams alongside Jabari Smith Jr. in the frontcourt, while Clint Capela comes off the bench for reserve minutes. Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith, who have both returned from injury recently, also provide some size for the team.

Tonight’s starters featured Amen Thompson and Eason at the guard spots, along with Kevin Durant joining Smith and Adams in the frontcourt. The team is currently seeking its second consecutive win against the Cavaliers, following its victory over the Lakers on Christmas Day.

Sengun’s next chance to play will be against the Indiana Pacers on Monday.

“Means we better rebound, that’s a big part of it,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said before the game. “They will probably be more perimeter-oriented… They’ve got a bevy of wings they can throw at you. We’ve just got to figure out who that will be and defend accordingly.”