The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a key matchup tonight against the Dallas Mavericks, riding the momentum of a convincing 104-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks. That victory wasn’t just a W in the standings-it was a confidence-builder, and this team is starting to show signs of real cohesion.
Alperen Sengun has been at the heart of Houston’s recent surge. While he didn’t have his cleanest offensive performance against Atlanta, make no mistake-he’s been one of the Rockets’ most consistent forces all season. With a clean bill of health following a right ankle injury, Sengun is expected to be back in the lineup tonight, ready to reassert himself as the team’s offensive anchor and playmaking hub.
The Rockets’ injury report is light, with only Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet sidelined. That’s a significant boost for a young team that’s looking to build chemistry and consistency. With a mostly full rotation, Houston has the tools to push the pace and match up well against a Mavericks squad that’s already seen what this team can do.
In their last meeting with Dallas, Kevin Durant led the charge with 31 points, showing he still has the ability to take over games when needed. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 14, while Reed Sheppard and Clint Capela added 13 and 10 off the bench, respectively. That kind of depth scoring is exactly what the Rockets will need again tonight, especially if they want to keep pace with a Mavericks team that can heat up quickly.
But beyond tonight’s matchup, there’s a broader conversation swirling around Sengun-and it’s one that’s getting harder to ignore. Despite putting up strong all-around numbers and playing at an All-Star level, Sengun’s standing in the league’s All-Star player voting has raised more than a few eyebrows.
According to Zach Lowe, Sengun ranked 32nd in player voting-behind names like Julius Randle, Ja Morant, Jaden McDaniels, Dillon Brooks, and even Stephon Castle, who landed at 13th. Christian Braun, who’s barely seen the floor in over a month, sits ahead of him at 27th.
It begs the question: what more does Sengun have to do to get the respect he’s earned on the court?
This isn’t just about stats-it’s about impact. Sengun has been a focal point for Houston on both ends, showing growth as a scorer, passer, and rebounder. He plays with a blend of skill and IQ that’s rare for a big man his age, and yet, he continues to fly under the radar in a league that’s increasingly dominated by international stars.
Since 2018, no American-born player has won the MVP. That shift speaks volumes about the global nature of today’s NBA, and Sengun is part of that wave. But even as international players continue to shape the league’s future, there’s still a gap in recognition-especially when it comes to accolades like All-Star selections.
Tonight, Sengun gets another chance to make his case-not just to fans, but to his peers. And if recent form is any indication, he’s more than ready to remind everyone why he belongs in the conversation.