Houston’s 5-1 start gets a boost as Alperen Sengun clears injury report for Thunder game

Sengun’s status and recent form

Rockets center Alperen Sengun is not listed on the team’s injury report ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He sat out Houston’s last two games because of lower back soreness.

The Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, then lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. This season, Sengun is averaging 24.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.

Thunder face several absences

Oklahoma City will be without Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Nikola Topic, who are dealing with long-term injuries. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to remain an MVP candidate as the Thunder contend with a thinner roster.

Holmgren, an All-NBA Third Team selection last season, is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with a tear in his right patellar tendon. He is averaging 12.0 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

Isaiah Hartenstein is set for a larger role in the frontcourt, while rookie Aday Mara is also expected to receive more minutes. Holmgren’s knee discomfort began Saturday, when Williams and Wallace were injured in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Houston looks to regain momentum

The Rockets are 5-1 despite having lost their winning streak. A victory over a Thunder team that won more than 60 games last season and reached the Western Conference Finals would bolster Houston’s start.

Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are ready to start Saturday, giving Sengun potential options as a passer. He is also Houston’s leading scorer by points per game, and a win could help the Rockets carry momentum into next week.