Alperen Sengun Suffers Scary Ankle Injury, Left Game on Wheelchair
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun dodged a major injury to his lower right leg after sustaining a severe ankle sprain and a bruised knee during the team's recent victory over the Sacramento Kings, according to sources informed ESPN on Monday.
Following his exit from the court in a wheelchair during the late stages of Sunday's game, Sengun underwent postgame X-rays and an MRI on Monday.
Thankfully, the medical assessments revealed that surgery wouldn't be necessary for his injuries.
Despite avoiding severe consequences, the 21-year-old player's return to the court for the remainder of the regular season, concluding on April 14, remains uncertain.
Sources indicate that significant healing is imperative before he can be cleared to play again.
Alperen Sengun has undeniably made a significant impact this season, solidifying his place as a cornerstone for the Rockets.
His remarkable performance includes averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, five assists, and 1.2 steals per game, with a shooting accuracy of 53.7 percent from the field.
Houston's Rebuilding Efforts
While Sengun's future playing status hangs in the balance, the Rockets, who have won four of their last five games, face the potential challenge of continuing their push for the postseason without him, per the Bleacher Report.
The team, anchored by an exciting young core featuring players like Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, remains optimistic despite the setback.
Additionally, Houston possesses strong draft capital, including Brooklyn's first-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft, providing further reasons for optimism amid their rebuilding efforts.
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Victory Overshadowed by Alperen Sengun Injury
In the game against the Sacramento Kings, Fred VanVleet's standout performance of 22 points and nine assists contributed to the Rockets' surprising season sweep.
However, the victory was overshadowed by the concerning injury to Alperen Sengun's right leg in the late fourth quarter.
Accumulated 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals before the Alperen Sengun injury received immediate attention from the team's medical staff. He was then assisted into a wheelchair and transported to the locker room, The Sacramento Bee noted.
The injury not only raises questions about his immediate playing future but also poses potential implications for the upcoming seasons.
Despite the setback, the Rockets' resilience was evident, securing a 112-104 victory before a sellout crowd of 18,022 at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings, now positioned seventh in the Western Conference playoff race, find themselves in a challenging spot, a half-game behind the Phoenix Suns for the No. 6 seed.
The Kings, led by Domantas Sabonis with 25 points and 15 rebounds, experienced a rough third quarter, allowing the Rockets to take control of the game. Sacramento's struggles included poor shooting and turnovers, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Looking ahead, the Kings will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday at Golden 1 Center.
The Bucks, currently third in the Eastern Conference, will present a formidable challenge for Sacramento.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton led the Bucks' charge, showcasing their prowess on the court.
As the Rockets aim to navigate the final stretch of the season without Alperen Sengun and the Kings brace for a challenging matchup, the NBA landscape continues to evolve with each game, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama on the court.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Alperen Sengun exits Rockets-Kings in wheelchair - From NBA on ESPN
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