### Alperen Sengun's Ankle Injury: A Setback for the Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are facing a significant challenge as their All-Star center, Alperen Sengun, is set to miss up to 14 days due to a right ankle injury sustained during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 3, 2026. This injury comes at a critical time for the Rockets, who had recently achieved a four-game winning streak and held a strong season record of 21-11. The loss of Sengun, who has been a key player for the team, raises concerns about the Rockets' performance in the upcoming games, especially as they navigate a competitive season. ### Breakdown of the Injury Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Alperen Sengun suffered a lateral sprain of his right ankle just over a minute into the game against the Mavericks, leading to his early exit and subsequent diagnosis [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/rockets-all-star-alperen-sengun-exits-game-vs-mavericks-with-apparent-ankle-injury-after-1-minute-031342141.html]. - The Rockets announced that he would be sidelined for at least 10 days, with some reports suggesting a potential recovery period of up to 14 days [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/houston-rockets/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-miss-up-14-days-ankle-injury]. 2. **Impact on Team Performance**: - The Rockets lost the game against the Mavericks 110-104, marking the end of their four-game winning streak [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/texas/rockets-21-11-lose-in-dallas-as-alperen-sengun-sprains-right-ankle]. - With Sengun out, the Rockets are also dealing with the absence of veteran center Steven Adams, who has been recovering from his own ankle sprain [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rockets-ankle-sprains-steven-adams-233349910.html]. 3. **Future Outlook**: - The Rockets will need to adjust their strategy and lineup in Sengun's absence, which could affect their performance in the next few games as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rockets-announce-alperen-sengun-injury-022023005.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline**: - Sengun's injury occurred on January 3, 2026, and he is expected to be out for 10 to 14 days, which could see him return around mid-January [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/houston-rockets/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-miss-up-14-days-ankle-injury]. - **Team Performance Metrics**: - Prior to the injury, the Rockets had a record of 21-11, showcasing a strong start to the season [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/texas/rockets-21-11-lose-in-dallas-as-alperen-sengun-sprains-right-ankle]. - The loss to the Mavericks not only ended their winning streak but also highlighted the vulnerability of the team without their star player [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rockets-21-11-lose-dallas-051028845.html]. ### Conclusion: Navigating Challenges Ahead In summary, **Alperen Sengun's ankle injury poses a significant challenge for the Houston Rockets**, impacting both their immediate game strategy and overall season performance. The team must adapt quickly to maintain their competitive standing in the league. 1. **Injury Overview**: Sengun's injury occurred early in the game against the Mavericks, leading to a diagnosis of a lateral ankle sprain. 2. **Team Impact**: The Rockets lost the game and are also missing Steven Adams, complicating their roster depth. 3. **Future Considerations**: The Rockets will need to strategize effectively to cope with Sengun's absence and continue their pursuit of a successful season. The Rockets' ability to navigate this setback will be crucial as they look to recover and maintain their position in the league standings [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/houston-rockets/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-miss-up-14-days-ankle-injury].