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.

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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.

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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.