Alperen

Sengun

After going off for 33 points in Game 3, Şengün scored 19 points or less in each of the final three games of the series. While the Rockets got away with that in Games 4 and 5, that was not the case in Game 6. Only having Kevin Durant for one game certainly didn’t help matters, nor did Houston’s failure to address the point guard position in Fred VanVleet’s absence. Şengün did not provide the second-round value that many fantasy managers expected before the season began, but he was not far off in eight-cat formats. He won’t last long on draft boards next fall, even with a healthy Durant and VanVleet in the starting lineup.

Şengün and the Rockets have staved off elimination twice, most recently limiting the Lakers to 93 points in Game 5. He was not as productive scoring-wise on Wednesday, but the Rockets’ center finished with solid numbers in the rebound, assist and steal categories. That said, Şengün must be better on the glass in Game 6, even if he isn’t the Rockets player corralling every available rebound. Lakers center Deandre Ayton grabbed ten offensive rebounds in Game 5, with that production being one reason why the Lakers had a chance to win the game late.

Şengün was one of five Rockets starters to finish the Game 4 victory in double figures, and he’s scored at least 19 points in all four games. The Rockets’ center was not as productive as he was in Game 3, but Şengün’s receiving help from multiple teammates factored into Houston’s ability to extend the series to Game 5. Over the last two games, he has shot a combined 21-of-39 from the field, totaling 52 points, while also accounting for 22 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocked shots.

With their season on the line, the Rockets will go into Game 4 without their leading scorer. Despite around-the-clock treatment, the veteran wing has not been cleared to play through an injury that would likely sideline him for multiple weeks during the regular season. Reed Sheppard is in line to make another start, and the Rockets will need increased offensive production from Alperen Şengün.

By almost any measure, Sengun had a great game in Game 3. He had 33 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. He added three steals and a block on the defensive end. He finished +10 in 47 minutes played including overtime. Still, without Kevin Durant (ankle), the Rockets collapsed down the stretch of regulation and the Lakers took total control of the series with the overtime win. Sengun and the Rockets will be playing to avoid elimination in Game 4 on Sunday.

Due to a right knee contusion, Durant did not play in Saturday’s Game 1 loss to the Lakers. The veteran forward’s ability to participate in half of Monday’s session is not a good sign, even with Udoka saying that Durant will be a game-time decision for Tuesday’s Game 2. Reed Sheppard moved into the starting lineup in the series opener and struggled, shooting 6-of-20 from the field in 36 minutes of action. If Durant remains out, they’ll need more production from Sheppard and Alperen Şengün to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.

With no Kevin Durant (knee) in the fold for Game 1, this felt like a spot in which the Rockets would run even more of their offense through Şengün. While he did attempt 19 shots, there were moments when Şengün was not as involved in the offense as he should be. The final stat line was solid, but the Rockets are going to need more from him, regardless of Durant’s availability for the rest of the series. Houston will look to even the series at one game apiece on Tuesday night.

With Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves, the Rockets are locked into the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. Since there isn’t anything on the line on Sunday, Reed Sheppard is the lone starter who will play. Tari Eason and Clint Capela should benefit from Durant and Şengün sitting.

After totaling 20 points on 9-of-29 shooting from the field in his prior two games, Şengün had a good night scoring-wise against the Timberwolves. The Rockets’ center goes into Sunday’s regular-season finale having scored 20 points or more in three of his last six appearances. Şengün’s final stat line was solid, and it’s possible that he’ll be done until the playoffs. The Rockets will be the No. 5 seed regardless of the outcome of their game against the Grizzlies, so that could be a spot for Şengün to rest.

Şengün locking in during the fourth quarter helped the Rockets pull away in Phoenix. The Suns could not find an answer for the Rockets’ center, who was especially impactful in making plays for his teammates. In the fourth quarter, Şengün recorded three assists and committed just one turnover. While Amen Thompson led the way with eight assists, Şengün recorded six and was able to get the turnovers in check after being a bit loose with the basketball early on.