Rockets' Sengun leaves game vs. Mavericks early with ankle sprain
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun rests on the floor after falling on a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Dallas. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
DALLAS — Houston center Alperen Sengun left the Rockets' loss to Dallas on Saturday night only 1:04 into play after spraining his right ankle.
Sengun landed awkwardly after grabbing a defensive rebound and fell to the court. As he got into a sitting position, he grabbed at his ankle. He limped to the bench and was soon led to the locker room. The team said at halftime that he wouldn't return to the game.
Sengun averages 22.6 points, second on the team to 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 a sprained ankle.
Houston fell 110-104 and was outscored 66-54 in the paint.
The Mavericks also lost a starter early. Forward P.J. Washington Jr. played all 12 minutes of the first period and was then ruled out with a sprained right ankle.
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