The Houston Rockets are rolling into tonight’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks with some serious momentum. Fresh off a convincing 104-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets are showing signs of a team that’s starting to click-especially on the defensive end. And while the spotlight often shifts game to game in Houston’s young, evolving core, one name continues to stand out: Alperen Sengun.
Sengun has been one of the Rockets’ most consistent offensive engines this season, and even though his scoring touch wasn’t quite there in the win over Atlanta, don’t expect that to last. He’s shown time and again that he can bounce back quickly-and with Houston’s injury report looking relatively clean, the stage is set for Sengun to make his presence felt tonight. The only players listed as out are Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet, which means the Rockets will have most of their key pieces available against a tough Mavs squad.
The last time these two teams met, Kevin Durant led the way with a smooth 31-point performance, reminding everyone that even in a new setting, he’s still one of the league’s most lethal scorers. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in with 14, and the bench showed up in a big way-Reed Sheppard dropped 13, and Clint Capela added 10. That kind of depth scoring is going to be crucial if the Rockets want to keep pace with a Mavericks team that can fill it up in a hurry.
But let’s circle back to Sengun for a minute, because his season deserves more attention than it’s getting. Despite putting up strong all-around numbers and playing at what many would call an All-Star level, Sengun’s name is noticeably absent from the top of the player voting charts. In fact, he ranked 32nd among players, a head-scratching position when you consider some of the names ahead of him.
Julius Randle, Ja Morant, Jaden McDaniels, Dillon Brooks, and even rookies like Stephon Castle are all ahead of Sengun in the vote count. Christian Braun, who hasn’t seen much floor time in over a month, somehow landed at 27th. That’s not just surprising-it’s a clear sign that Sengun’s impact isn’t resonating the way it should among his peers.
Zach Lowe recently pointed out this very issue, highlighting the disconnect between Sengun’s production and the recognition he’s receiving. And he’s not wrong.
Sengun has been a force for Houston-crafty in the post, a gifted passer, and a much-improved defender. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and yet, he’s still flying under the radar.
Part of this might be tied to a broader trend in the league. Since 2018, no American-born player has won MVP, a reflection of how international talent has reshaped the NBA’s landscape.
Sengun, a Turkish big man with a game that blends old-school footwork with modern versatility, fits right into that global wave. But despite his rise, his All-Star case continues to be overlooked.
Tonight’s game against Dallas offers another chance for Sengun to remind everyone what he brings to the table. The Rockets will need his playmaking, his scoring touch, and his ability to anchor the offense in the halfcourt. And if he delivers-as he so often does-it’ll be another step forward not just for Houston’s playoff hopes, but for Sengun’s growing case as one of the league’s most underappreciated stars.
With Durant leading the charge, a healthy supporting cast, and Sengun ready to bounce back, the Rockets are poised to make some noise. Don’t be surprised if tonight’s matchup turns into another statement game-not just for the team, but for a center who deserves to be in the All-Star conversation.