Thanks to a memorable performance last season, and a five-year, $185 million extension, Alperen Sengun has become the player to watch out for during the ongoing season. Even the player himself entered the tournament bearing high expectations, stating that any attention from opponents and game plans formed specifically is “a pressure the stars can take it, you know. That’s what I’m going to go through the rest of my life. I’m one of the best players in the league.” His progression initially seemed to have hit a roadblock after he exited the recent Warriors matchup due to an undisclosed reason. Fortunately, if it was any ailment, the same won’t bother him for the foreseeable future.

Upon a quick glance at the Houston Rockets’ Injury Report highlighted by ESPN, one will find that the 22-year-old Center’s name is nowhere present. This means that Sengun will likely play against the San Antonio Spurs during the upcoming matchup at the Toyota Center. Sengun may be healthy enough to compete, but the whole Rockets squad cannot say the same for themselves. After all, the report continues to list Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks in the ‘day-to-day’ category, while Steven Adams continues occupying the ‘OUT’ status.

Houston Rockets fans might have felt concerned when head coach Ime Udoka unexpectedly cut Alperen Sengun’s minutes. Their worry grew as Sengun headed to the locker room after just nine minutes on the court, even before the halftime buzzer sounded across the Toyota Center. Asked about it after the game, the head coach was ready with an explanation.

“Not handling the pace of the game, the physicality, the blitzes that they were doing when we got it to him or the other bigs in the pocket, we were executing out of that,” said Udoka. Even when reporters outright asked him “Is he (Sengun) dealing with any type of injury”, the coach replied “No”. After they asked “100 percent?” to his response, he immediately reverted back with a “Yes.” Well, one really can’t be clearer than that.

Tari Eason was last seen going up against the New York Knicks. Later, it was revealed that his availability for the Spurs game was questionable in light of an illness. Dillion Brooks, aka the one with the ‘Villain Persona’, would have been an efficient player to have when going up against Victor Wembanyama and Co. Unfortunately, after being a regular for the Rockets during the ongoing season, they have also placed his status as questionable due to an illness! Meanwhile, Steven Adams’ condition is much more serious, as he recovers from a right knee injury. Fortunately, in his absence, CBS Sports reports that Jock Landale shall very well serve as the backup center to Alperen Sengun.

Having Alperen Sengun go up against the Spurs would be something the player and franchise would be looking forward to. After all, despite his prowess, the Rockets haven’t had too much success against their Eastern Conference rival, and the squad may want revenge.

How has Alperen Sengun performed against the San Antonio Spurs during his NBA career?

In the three years that Alperen Sengun has been with the Houston Rockets, he has managed to go up against the Spurs a total of 12 times. The rival team held the advantage at the start, as Sengun lost five games in a row against them. Today, however, he boasts a 5-7 record against them. Well, boast may not be the correct term, but if the player continues at his current pace, then he can certainly earn some bragging rights.

In the 12 games, Alperen Sengun averaged 18 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. During the 2023-24 season, which was the highlight of his career, the same average went up to 20.6 points. Along with that, Sengun also recorded an impressive 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. The player made the points possible by staying consistent with his shooting, 51.2% field goals, 60% three-pointers, and 52.4% free throws last season. Sengun scored his career-high 45 points during a March matchup against the Spurs, and that too when Victor Wembanyama was guarding him! Surpassing the earlier record set by Mehmet Okur, it became the highest single-game score by a Turkish player in the history of the NBA.

Can we expect the Spurs to take another beating from Alperen Sengun? Or will Victor Wembanyama and co once again have their moment to shine against the Rockets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.