Houston Rockets Injury Update: Alperen Sengun in Real Danger of Missing Lakers Game, Major Dorian Finney-Smith News as 4 Listed (Dec. 25)

The Houston Rockets are sweating over the availability of their headliner, Alperen Sengun, for the Christmas Day game against the LA Lakers on Thursday. Sengun landed on the injury report after the team wrapped up its practice session on Wednesday. The Turkish big man complained of left calf tightness, prompting the medical staff to list him as questionable for the big-ticket encounter.

Sengun was in action when the Rockets suffered a 128-108 blowout loss against the LA Clippers on Tuesday. He recorded a double-double, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block in 28 minutes.

The Rockets are currently battling a rough patch, having lost four of their last five games. The recent slide has dropped them to sixth place in the West, currently holding a 17-10 record.

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The Rockets need their fulcrum Sengun in top physical shape to steady the turbulent ship. The franchise and its fanbase would hope that the talented center recovers in time for Thursday's game, as it presents a good opportunity for Houston to end its two-game losing streak.

Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith could make his season debut after missing 27 consecutive games. The versatile wing was upgraded to questionable as he continues to recover from left ankle surgery. If cleared to play, Finney-Smith will be up against his former franchise, for whom he played last season.

Jae'Sean Tate is also questionable with a left wrist injury. Fred VanVleet continues to be sidelined due to an ACL injury.

Where to watch Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers?

The Houston Rockets will be in Tinseltown to cross swords against the LA Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday. Tip off is slated for 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PT).

Fans can watch the Rockets vs. Lakers game on ABC and ESPN. Basketball followers around the world will also have the option to stream the game live on the NBA League Pass.

Edited by Atishay Jain