Rockets Injury Update: Will Alperen Sengun Play Tonight vs Celtics Despite Playing Back-to-Back Games?

The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2023-24 season. Over the past few seasons, the Rockets faced a period of NBA obscurity as they underwent a rebuilding phase following the James Harden era. This rebuilding phase involved developing promising young talents such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. This off-season, the Rockets bought in two proven NBA players, Dillion Brooks and Fred VanVleet.

All their big moves have been rewarded heavily and they are now playoff contenders. Despite the presence of two veterans, the Rockets have relied heavily on Alperen Sengun. Under the leadership of new HC Ime Udoka, Sengun has become the primary star of the Rockets. However, will he play in Houston’s upcoming game against the Celtics?

Alperen Sengun will suit up tonight 

While fans and Sengun himself would want to play the Celtics later tonight, it’s important to consider that Sengun played 42 minutes in Houston’s crucial win over the Jazz last night. With such a short turnaround to their next game, Sengun could be at risk of suffering an injury due to fatigue. However, given Sengun’s importance to the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, there’s a high likelihood that the 21-year-old center would play substantial minutes against the Celtics.

Apart from Sengun, the Rockets will miss the services of Tari Eason (lower leg), Reggie Bullock (back) and Victor Oladipo (knee) for tonight’s game against the Celtics. The Boston Celtics also have to deal with injuries. The Celtics could be without two key players for their match-up with the Rockets. Both Al Horford (load management) and Jrue Holiday (elbow sprain) have been listed as questionable by the Celtics.

Predicted Lineups: Rockets vs Celtics

The Rockets will have their work cut out, as they go up against arguably the best team in the league right now. The Boston Celtics have been flawless this season, and their record is proof of that. They currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, with 32 wins and 10 losses. The Celtics go into the game as heavy favorites. They could start the game with Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis.

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While the Celtics are undoubtedly the favorites, the Rockets have the advantage of playing at home. The Rockets have one of the best records in the league when playing at the Toyota Center, securing victories in 16 out of their 22 home games. They could begin the game with Fred Vanvleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun. Who do you think will win this mouth-watering encounter? Let us know in the comments below!

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