The Houston Rockets (32-16) will begin a four-game road trip against the New York Knicks (32-17) on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Ahead of the 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff, the Rockets have listed center Alperen Sengun as questionable with a left calf contusion, while guard Fred VanVleet has been ruled out with a right ankle strain.

Sengun, who was recently named an All-Star for the first time in his career, last played in the Rockets’ 100-96 victory over the Atlanta Hawks last Tuesday. He contributed 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and a steal while shooting 7-for-12 from the field, helping extend Houston’s winning streak to four games at the time.

VanVleet suffered his injury in the Rockets’ 110-98 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. He played just 17 minutes before exiting and finished with three points and two assists.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet’s injury status vs. Knicks

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and guard Fred VanVleet (5) high five after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

With Sengun listed as questionable, his availability will likely be determined closer to game time. The 22-year-old is having a career-best season, averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, five assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 49.1% from the field across 46 games.

Article Continues Below
More Houston Rockets News
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, RocketsErik Slater ·
Rockets, Joan Beringer, Danny Wolf, Will Riley, NBA Draft
3 players Houston Rockets must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftCameron Zunkel ·
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets’ Giannis Antetokounmpo trade ‘uncertainty’ emergesBrett Siegel ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) defends against Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.
Rockets rumors: Houston’s backup target if ‘priority’ Steven Adams leavesDavid Yapkowitz ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks up after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Suns, Rockets talking Kevin Durant trade with ‘lowered’ asking priceJason Patt ·

During Houston’s recent four-game win streak, which included a notable victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers (40-9), he posted 18.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 51.9% shooting.

VanVleet, who has been ruled out for Monday’s contest, has played a key role in the Rockets’ backcourt this season. He is averaging 14.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 38.7% from the field and 34.4% from three across 45 appearances.

Houston enters the matchup ranked third in the Western Conference standings, trailing the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies by just half a game. The Rockets are looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak and complete a season sweep of the Knicks.

In their previous meeting on Nov. 11, Houston secured a 109-97 victory, with Sengun leading the way with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks on 11-for-15 shooting.

With VanVleet sidelined and Sengun's availability uncertain, the Rockets may need strong performances from Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks as they look to gain ground in the West.