The Houston Rockets are the hottest team in the NBA, winning eight consecutive games as they fight for a Play-In spot. They’ve played so well that it’s easy to forget they’re missing multiple rotation players. Yet, youngsters Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, and Alperen Sengun have been out for several games.
Cam Whitmore, Alperen Sengun Get Injury Updates as Rockets Extend Win Streak
Ahead of their victory against the Utah Jazz, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka announced injury updates for Whitmore and Sengun.
Per Udoka, Whitmore has returned to the court for spot-up shooting drills. Sengun has yet to return to practice. The third-year center continues to go through “treatment and rehab” as he waits for a reduction in swelling and bruising in his knee.
#Rockets vs Jazz at 6:30PM on SCHN
Before the game Ime Udoka gave updates on Cam Whitmore & Alperen Sengun and talked the @HoustonRockets playing small ball pic.twitter.com/mobmGYiZLn
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“The main thing is trying to push the swelling out,” Udoka says. “From there, it starts to loosen up [and] you can do some things.”
“But that’s the main focus; the bruising and swelling. Getting that out of there.”
Whitmore and Sengun have been out since Mar. 10, as the Rockets faced the Sacramento Kings.
Cam Whitmore
Whitmore ended up finishing the game against the Kings. However, he experienced knee discomfort and sought out medical treatment afterward. Udoka announced Whitmore will be out for at least three weeks with an LCL sprain.
The rookie has averaged 12.1 points per game, seventh-highest in his draft class. He’s shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from 3. Selected with the 20th overall pick, Whitmore has been a draft steal, his microwave scoring ability enhanced by his efficiency.
That being said, while the Rockets’ starting lineup has played well during the win streak, their bench has too. Houston’s bench has scored 37.6 points per game over the past eight games, the sixth-most in the NBA. Getting Whitmore back will only help their playoff bid.
Alperen Sengun
Sengun wasn’t as lucky against the Kings, landing awkwardly as he tried to make a block in transition. The injury looked worse than the eventual diagnosis. Nonetheless, Sengun was ruled out indefinitely with a Grade 3 ankle sprain and knee bruise. It’s not guaranteed, but he is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.
Sengun has averaged a team-high 21.1 points per game this season, shooting 53.7 percent from the field. He ranks second on the team in assists per game (5.0). A skilled low-post player with 3-point range, his passing ability blends well with his gravity as a scorer.
The Rockets have obvious reasons for being optimistic about his early return. However, the best chance for Sengun to play again in 2023-24 will be in the playoffs. For that, Houston — and namely Jalen Green —has to continue their recent play.
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