Western Conference Roundup: Sengun Guts It Out, Booker Eyes Return, and Young Blazers Impress
Alperen Sengun isn’t letting a bum ankle slow him down - at least not entirely. The Rockets’ big man was initially expected to miss 10 to 14 days with a right ankle sprain, but he returned to the floor after just three games and a week on the shelf. That’s a quick turnaround, especially for a player who does so much of his work in the paint, where footwork and balance are everything.
Still, Sengun admitted Wednesday that he’s far from fully healed. “Still not 100 percent.
It’s not going to be 100 percent for a while,” he said. “But I’ve played through this all my life and I’m okay with it.
Trying to get my treatment every day, feel as strong as I can be and go play.”
That kind of mindset - playing through pain, staying available - is something coaches love, but it’s a balancing act. Sengun’s mobility and touch are key to Houston’s offense, and while he’s back on the court, it’s clear he’s still managing discomfort.
The Rockets, meanwhile, have been in a bit of a funk, dropping four of their last five, including a 20-point home loss to the Thunder. They’ll need Sengun’s presence - and production - to steady the ship.
Booker Sidelined, But Suns Remain Hopeful
In Phoenix, Devin Booker sat out Thursday’s loss in Detroit with a left ankle sprain - his fourth missed game of the season. The good news? Head coach Jordan Ott is optimistic Booker could be back as soon as Saturday when the Suns face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Booker’s had a stop-and-go rhythm this season, dealing with both groin and ankle issues. When healthy, he remains one of the league’s most dangerous scorers and a stabilizing force for Phoenix’s offense. The Suns will be eager to get him back in the lineup, especially with the Western Conference standings tightening.
Al Horford’s Lasting Impact in OKC
Al Horford only spent one season in Oklahoma City, but his influence is still being felt. Kenrich Williams reflected on Horford’s time with the Thunder, calling him one of the first truly vocal veterans he’d been around.
“He showed us how to prepare for games. He showed us how to stay ready,” Williams said. “And when his number wasn’t called, he always was encouraging on the sideline.”
That kind of leadership doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it matters - especially for a young team like the Thunder. Even though only three current players were on that roster with Horford, his professionalism and mentorship helped lay the groundwork for the culture OKC is building today. For Horford, it was also a bounce-back year after a rough stint in Philadelphia, and he used it to re-establish his value as a reliable veteran presence.
Blazers’ Two-Way Players Pushing the Limit
In Portland, the youth movement continues - and two of the Trail Blazers’ two-way players are making the most of their opportunities. Forward Sidy Cissoko and guard Caleb Love have both carved out roles in the rotation amid a wave of injuries, and now they’re closing in on the 50-game limit for two-way contracts.
If Cissoko remains active every night, he’ll hit that cap on February 11. Love is projected to reach his limit later in the month.
Both players have made strong cases for a promotion to standard contracts, showing they can contribute at the NBA level. It’s a classic case of opportunity meeting preparation - and Portland’s front office will soon have a decision to make.
Final Thoughts
From Sengun’s gritty return to Booker’s looming comeback and the emergence of young talent in Portland, the Western Conference continues to deliver storylines that go beyond the standings. As the season grinds on, health, depth, and leadership - both on and off the court - are proving just as important as talent.