Alperen

Sengun

Şengün’s layup with just under 12 seconds remaining gave Houston the 117-116 victory, extending their win streak to six games. The Rockets’ center finished with a final stat line that lacked only a steal, a positive end to championship week in Yahoo! default leagues. For those competing in leagues that will be active in Week 24, the Rockets still have plenty to play for in a four-game week. As a result, Şengün’s availability should not be a concern.

Şengün showcased his versatility in Wednesday’s victory. As a scorer, he produced at the free-throw line, inside the arc, and from deep, en route to finishing as one of the Rockets’ leading scorers. He also distributed the ball well and was disruptive on the defensive end of the floor. He’s played some good basketball down the stretch of the season, and it’s coincided with team success. Friday’s matchup against the Jazz will present Şengün with another opportunity to log big numbers.

After recording consecutive 30-point games, Şengün was limited to 14 in Friday’s win over the Grizzlies. To say he got back on track in New Orleans would be accurate, as the Rockets’ center was dominant in all phases. Şengün finished three assists shy of a triple-double, and the six defensive contributions were a great bonus for fantasy managers. The Rockets play four games in Week 23, starting on Tuesday against the Knicks, which is excellent news for those rostering Şengün.

20 of Şengün’s points came after halftime. He shot efficiently and made several timely blocks on the defensive end down the stretch, ultimately leading to a team-high in blocked shots. The 30-point outing marked the second consecutive for the fifth-year center, who continues to provide during the fantasy playoffs. A third straight 30-point outing could be on the horizon when the Rockets face the Grizzlies on Friday.

Şengün was very active on both ends of the floor on Monday. In the loss, he logged 37 minutes and nearly as many points, thanks to an extremely efficient shooting performance. The do-it-all center also attacked the glass hard to finish as the only Rockets player with double-digit rebounds. And the double-digit assists helped Şengün tally another triple-double on the season. Even with some back tightness, he continues to play and produce good numbers and be valuable in fantasy leagues.

Initially questionable, Şengün is active for Saturday’s game. As a result, there isn’t much to gain from streaming Clint Capela or Dorian Finney-Smith since they’ll play limited minutes off the bench.

Sengun is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Heat with lower back tightness. If the 23-year-old center is ruled out, Clint Capela would likely start for the Rockets. Houston could also use Dorian Finney-Smith if they elect to go with a smaller lineup.

Houston changed its starting lineup for Friday’s game, with Reed Sheppard replacing Tari Eason, and the result was a blowout win over the red-hot Hawks. Durant still had the ball in his hands plenty, as did Alperen Şengün (15/9/10/2), but the team had improved offensive spacing throughout the 117-95 victory. The Rockets still have one more game in Week 21, as they host the Heat on Saturday.

Sengun returned from a two-game absence and was, unsurprisingly, one of Houston’s most productive players on Wednesday. By way of efficient shooting, he led the Rockets in points, while finishing as the only player on Houston to reach double figures in assists. The double-double marked his sixth points-assists double-double of the season, which has been useful for a Rockets team lacking a natural point guard in the starting unit. Barring injuries, Sengun should remain one of Houston’s most reliable players and a triple-double threat each time he takes the floor.

The lone change to the Rockets’ starting lineup is Şengün, who is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Lakers. His return means that Clint Capela will head to the bench, and he may fall out of the rotation entirely.