DALLAS (AP) — Houston center Alperen Sengun suffered a sprained right ankle and left the Rockets in Saturday’s loss to Dallas at 1:04 p.m.
Sengun landed awkwardly and fell on the court after recovering a defensive rebound. As he got into a sitting position, she grabbed his ankle. He limped to the bench and was soon taken to the locker room. The team said at halftime that he would not return to the game.
Sengun averages 22.6 points, second on the team behind Kevin Durant, and leads the team with 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
The Rockets were already playing without reserve big man Steven Adams because of an ankle sprain.
Houston trailed 110-104 and was outshot 66-54 in the paint.
The Mavericks also lost a starter early. Forward PJ Washington Jr. played all 12 minutes of the first period before being sidelined with a sprained right ankle.
,
AP NBA:
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun falls to the floor after challenging Dallas Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts on the bench after knocking down a rebound attempt against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is slow to get up after falling in a game against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, left, goes for a rebound against Dallas Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford (21) while teammate forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
