The Houston Rockets are bracing for a tough night in the paint against the Phoenix Suns. Alperen Sengun is out with a right ankle sprain. Steven Adams is in doubt with a right ankle sprain of his own and could miss a third straight game. For a team built around size, touch, and tempo, this is a major test of depth and identity.

Houston’s staff has been quick to back its star center’s mindset. “His resilience has always been a strong suit,” said the Rockets’ coach, underscoring how Sengun usually bounces back fast when hit with setbacks.

Sengun ruled out after awkward landing vs. Mavericks

Sengun sprained his right ankle early in the first quarter on Saturday against Dallas. He landed awkwardly while chasing a rebound, exited the game, and did not return. The Rockets have ruled him out for Monday’s meeting with the Suns. It’s a precaution that makes sense for their long-term goals.

This isn’t the first lower-leg issue for him this season, either. Sengun also missed time earlier with a left soleus strain and left calf tightness, reminders of how much he carries for this team on both ends.

His production tells the story. Across different recent splits, Sengun has been a steady force:

• Last five outings: 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals in 32.8 minutes.
• Nine appearances this month: 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.3 blocks in 34.7 minutes.
• Another recent five-game stretch: 19.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks in 33.2 minutes.

Those numbers show more than scoring. Sengun is the team’s connector. He helps space the floor, creates shots from the post and the elbows, and keeps the offense flowing. Taking that off the court changes Houston’s rhythm.

“No Sengun, no half-court hub — can the pace save them?”

Adams’ ankle sprain lingers; third straight DNP possible

Adams sprained his right ankle on December 29 against the Pacers. The injury happened in the second quarter, before halftime. Since then, he has been working to get back, but he may miss a third straight game if he cannot go against Phoenix.

Even in limited minutes, Adams brings size and stability. He averages 8.4 rebounds per game, a trait that matters most when you’re down another big. Houston still won that Pacers game 126-119 on December 29, but the fallout has been felt since, as the rotation has shifted and matchups have tightened.

If Adams sits again, the Rockets would be without two natural centers in the same game. That gets tricky against any team, and it will test the group’s defensive rebounding, rim protection, and screen-setting on offense.

“Adams’ boards are the safety net. Without him, the glass gets loud.”

Plan B: Capela minutes, more small-ball, more pace

The immediate adjustment is simple on paper: Clint Capela is set for heavy minutes off the bench if Sengun and Adams both sit. Capela’s strengths are clear. He runs the floor, sets hard screens, protects the rim, and finishes lobs. He won’t copy Sengun’s passing, but he can anchor a pick-and-roll attack and keep the paint secure.

Past that, Houston can pivot to smaller lineups. That means more speed, more switching, and more drive-and-kick plays. It also means a trade-off: you gain tempo, but you risk giving up extra rebounds and second-chance points. The Rockets will try to win that math with effort, spacing, and by pushing the ball after every stop.

Expect the guards and wings to carry more of the creation. That could lead to simpler actions: quick drags in transition, empty side pick-and-rolls, and corner spacing to open the lane. The aim is to avoid long, slow half-court trips where the lack of a post playmaker is most obvious.

“If they run, they’re fine. If they walk it up, Phoenix wins the math.”

Why Sengun’s absence changes everything

Sengun’s game is unique. He can score with touch, pass from the post, and make quick reads when doubles come. He’s a release valve late in the clock. He can trigger backdoor cuts and open threes with a simple shoulder fake. When he sits, the Rockets lose that variety.

The numbers from his nine-game surge this month are the clearest sign: 23.4 points, 9.9 boards, 6.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. That is a star’s line. It brings stability to young guards and gives shooters clean looks. Without him, Houston needs to create advantages with speed, movement, and offensive rebounding by committee.

Adams’ value if he plays — and if he doesn’t

Adams brings a different kind of order. He clears space with screens, controls the glass, and sets a physical tone. Even if he’s limited, 10-15 strong minutes can change a quarter. One extra box-out can swing a close game. One screen can free a shooter for a run.

If he cannot go, the Rockets must gang rebound. Guards have to crack down from the perimeter. Wings must hit the defensive glass and box out early. On offense, second units can still win the night by sprinting into actions and trusting the pass.

What to watch vs. Suns

• Center minutes: How much do the Rockets get from Capela, and who backs him?
• Rebounding battle: Can Houston keep the Suns to one shot per trip without Adams and Sengun?
• Tempo and turnovers: Faster pace helps, but not if giveaways fuel Phoenix’s runs.
• Shot profile: Threes and rim attempts matter more without a post hub. Can the Rockets create them?
• Bench lift: If the starters tread water, the game can swing on second-unit energy.

There is no hiding the stakes. The Rockets have shown they can grind out wins even as injuries hit — they beat the Pacers 126-119 on December 29. But the Suns pose a fresh matchup and a fresh set of puzzles. Houston’s job on Monday is clear: protect the paint, run with purpose, and trust that the next-man-up plan holds.

Updates on Sengun and Adams have come through multiple outlets, including Athlon Sports, FOX Sports, Houston Chronicle, and The Dream Shake. The coach’s confidence in Sengun’s recovery is real, and so is the team’s belief that its structure can carry a short-handed night.

Bottom line: Monday is a gut-check. If the Rockets win the effort stats and keep the pace clean, they give themselves a real shot while their top big man rests and their veteran anchor heals. And when Sengun and, hopefully soon, Adams return, Houston will be stronger for having survived the storm.