When center Alperen Sengun went down barely a minute into their January 3rd game, few could have predicted the sheer magnitude of the void left behind. The Houston Rockets, once the surprise whirlwind of the West with a 22-13 record, are now in the throes of an identity crisis. Two close losses to the Portland Trail Blazers have sent them into a freefall to 6th place, and a brutal upcoming schedule threatens to bury them deeper without the timely return of their Turkish “maestro.”
San Antonio Spurs v Houston Rockets
Sengun isn’t just an offensive hub; he is the system’s soul. Everything the Rockets do revolves around his genius ball-handling, pinpoint passing, and elite playmaking from the post. Without him, Houston’s offense becomes disjointed, lacking its central ignition point. While Kevin Durant can still drop 30 to beat Phoenix, consecutive losses to the non-contending Blazers reveal a profound instability. They’ve lost their orchestrating “brain,” and it shows.
The good news is Sengun could be back ahead of schedule (listed as questionable vs. Kings). But his return cannot come soon enough. The Rockets are about to enter a make-or-break week:
Thursday: A rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder (32-7), the team that edged them in double-OT on opening night. This is a chance for redemption and to measure themselves against a title favorite.
Friday: A showdown with the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-14)—a team with versatile offense and tough interior defense.
Competing with these giants without Sengun seems nearly impossible. Even upon his return, regaining rhythm instantly will be a challenge.
It’s not just Sengun. Tari Eason—a defensive dynamo and energy spark off the bench—is also out with an ankle sprain, missing at least one game. This exacerbates Houston’s depth and defensive issues. Coach Ime Udoka’s rotation is thinning at the worst possible time. The stamina and adaptability of the remaining players will be pushed to the limit.
This fateful week could define the Houston Rockets’ entire season. They stand at a precipice: on one side, Sengun’s return could catapult them back into the win column and solidify their status as a serious playoff threat; on the other, the risk of a continued nosedive if he remains out or isn’t at full strength. Their early-season success was built on cohesion and a clear system. That system is now shaken. How the Rockets respond in the coming days will answer the critical question: Are they truly an excellent team, or merely a product of health and a favorable schedule? Everything hinges on the well-being of one man: Alperen Sengun.