Houston Rockets Set Starters for Lakers Clash After Alperen Sengun Injury The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are set to face off in a high-stakes matchup on Monday, March 16, with both teams vying for control of the Western Conference standings. The game, scheduled for 9:30 PM ET, carries significant implications as the Rockets aim to close the gap on the third-seeded Lakers. Entering the contest, the Rockets hold a 41-25 record and are currently the fourth seed in the West, while the Lakers, with a 42-25 record, lead Houston by a half-game for the third seed. A victory for either team could shift the momentum in the race for the playoffs. A key storyline for the Rockets is the absence of All-Star forward Alperen Sengun, who was ruled out of the game due to lower-back pain. Sengun, who had been listed as questionable earlier in the week, was not able to suit up for the matchup against the Lakers. His absence adds pressure on the Rockets’ roster, as they look to compensate without their key contributor. Sengun, who earned his second All-Star selection this season, has averaged 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this year. His absence could test the depth of the Rockets’ bench. The Rockets’ starting lineup for the game includes Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Clint Capela. Thompson, a rookie, is expected to provide scoring off the bench, while Eason, a former first-round pick, will likely anchor the frontcourt. Durant, acquired in a blockbuster trade over the summer, brings veteran leadership and scoring ability, and Smith Jr., the team’s top prospect, will look to make an impact in his second season. Capela, the team’s primary center, will need to step up in Sengun’s absence.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun #clint_capela
Clint Capela to Start Against Lakers as Sengun Misses Game Clint Capela is set to start for his team in Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from The California Post. The decision comes after Alperen Sengun, who was previously a key contributor at center, is ruled inactive due to a back injury. With Sengun sidelined, Capela will take over the starting role at center for the game. This marks Capela's first start of the season, as he had only previously entered the game in a starting capacity on December 6 against the Dallas Mavericks. In that earlier start, Capela recorded eight points (4-7 from the field, 0-1 from the free-throw line), eight rebounds, two blocks, and one assist over 30 minutes of play. His performance in that game highlighted his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, though his shooting efficiency was a point of note. The team's coaching staff has opted to rely on Capela's experience and versatility in the absence of Sengun, who has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup throughout the season. To provide depth at the center position, the team will likely use Dorian Finney-Smith and Jeff Green as backup options. Both players have experience playing in smaller lineups and can offer flexibility in defensive schemes. Finney-Smith, known for his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, could provide a different dynamic in transition, while Green's ability to switch on screens and guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in the modern NBA. Capela's inclusion in the starting five underscores the team's need to maintain balance in the paint, especially with Sengun's absence.#los_angeles_lakers #the_california_post #alperen_sengun #clint_capela #dorian_finney_smith
Rockets' Alperen Sengun Misses Game Amid Back Pain HOUSTON — Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ All-Star center, remained sidelined with low back pain for their home matchup against the Lakers, marking the second consecutive game he has missed under this designation. While he participated in Monday’s shootaround, Sengun was not in the lineup as the team continued without him. The Rockets had previously defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday while Sengun was out, and the absence of the Turkish big man continues to impact their roster depth. The Rockets-Lakers game holds significant implications for the Western Conference playoff race, as both teams entered the matchup tied in the loss column (42-25 for the Lakers and 41-25 for the Rockets). The two teams are among the West’s teams with the fewest losses, highlighting the tight competition in the conference. Sengun’s absence adds pressure to the Rockets’ depth, as they rely on their remaining players to fill the void left by his injury. Despite his absence, Sengun has been a key contributor this season, averaging 20.2 points (50.3% FG), 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. His statistical performance has been a bright spot for the Rockets, but concerns have emerged about his defensive play compared to last season. Tracking data suggests his defensive contributions have declined, and some analysts speculate that physical ailments, including his back pain, may be a factor. The Rockets are reportedly giving Sengun time off to address these issues and potentially return to full form. Head coach Ime Udoka opted to start backup center Clint Capela in Sengun’s absence, pairing him with the usual quartet of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.#rockets #deandre_ayton #alperen_sengun #clint_capela #tari_eason
Lakers quietly vindicated for utilizing Deandre Ayton in the Clint Capela role Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton’s role in the team’s game plan has been a topic of discussion, particularly after he reportedly expressed frustration over how head coach JJ Redick is using him. Ayton, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, has been asked to emulate the style of veteran center Clint Capela, a player known for his defensive presence and rebounding ability. Despite not aligning with Ayton’s preferred playing style, the approach has yielded tangible results for the Lakers. The team’s performance when Ayton is on the court underscores the effectiveness of this strategy. Los Angeles holds a 32-21 record when Ayton plays, compared to a 5-3 mark when he’s sidelined. While the team’s net rating of 0.3 is modest, the contrast in scoring efficiency highlights the importance of Ayton’s contributions. When he’s on the floor, the Lakers outscore opponents by 2.6 points per 100 possessions, whereas they are outscored by 2.2 points when he’s absent. These numbers, though influenced by the team’s overall inconsistency, demonstrate Ayton’s value in key moments. The Lakers’ reliance on Ayton is further emphasized by their lack of viable alternatives at the center position. With limited depth, Ayton’s ability to thrive in the Capela role is critical. His impact is most evident in specific statistical categories. For instance, the Lakers are 11-1 when Ayton records at least two blocks in a game and 15-8 when he secures three or more offensive rebounds. His defensive rebounding and rim protection have directly influenced the team’s success, with a winning percentage of .652 when he meets these benchmarks compared to .566 when he doesn’t. Recent performances reinforce this trend.#lakers #deandre_ayton #jj_redick #new_orleans_pelicans #clint_capela
