Houston Rockets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green is eligible for a contract extension. While there hasn't been an update regarding a potential deal, the 22-year-old doesn't seem too concerned. "My main focus is the season ahead of me with the players that we have," said Green in an interview. "Thats the main focus right now, and everything will work itself out." The 22-year-old has had his share of struggles since entering the league in 2021. However, he has still been productive for fantasy managers, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Without question, he has All-Star potential, and his durability is a bonus for fantasy managers despite his underwhelming accuracy from behind the arc. Green and the Rockets have until October 21 to come to terms on a new deal. If that doesn't happen, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick will be a restricted free agent next offseason.

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet (hip) will miss Friday's contest against Portland. He gets the night off because of a right hip contusion after erupting for a season-high 42 points on Thursday versus Utah. VanVleet's absence will likely open the door for Aaron Holiday to join the starting unit, although Jalen Green and Amen Thompson will be the biggest beneficiaries in the situation. Both should get more playmaking opportunities and shots. Green ate up just 19 minutes on Thursday and should be eager to perform well in a favorable matchup.

Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. will miss Monday's game against Portland with a suspension. He was handed a one-game suspension for his altercation with Utah's Kris Dunn on Saturday. Smith Jr's absence will be a major blow for the playoff-chasing Rockets, who have racked up eight consecutive victories. Following Alperen Sengun's (ankle) injury, Smith Jr. has filled the starting center role. With him now sidelined, Jeff Green and Jock Landale should share the minutes at the five positions. Green is the more attractive fantasy option of the two and played great after Smith Jr.'s early exit at the weekend, scoring 21 points and registering four rebounds with a pair of blocks. A meeting with Portland could also be fruitful for him, as the Trail Blazers are allowing opposing centers to shoot 60.6 percent from the field.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (ankle) was diagnosed with a Grade 3 right ankle sprain. In addition, he also has a bone bruise in his right knee. Sengun's injury could have been much worse. However, the 21-year-old is expected to miss "several weeks" and is unlikely to return before the end of the regular season. Houston is grasping and clawing to make the Play-In, so fantasy managers might not see Sengun back on the floor unless the Rockets make a deep postseason run. The 2021 No. 16 overall pick has established himself as one of the NBA's best big men in his third year in the league. He's appeared in 63 games, amassing 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals, all significantly higher than last season. At any rate, while Sengun remains on the shelf, Houston could play small ball, meaning Jabari Smith Jr. would handle most of the work at the five. Jock Landale, coming off an 11-point, five-assist, two-steal showing on Tuesday versus the Spurs, should also maintain a firm grasp on a spot in the rotation.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (knee, ankle) suffered a scary injury during Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The big man injured his leg and needed a wheelchair to help transport him back to the locker room. At first glance, it appeared Sengun suffered a significant leg injury. He has been diagnosed with a right knee bone bruise and a severely sprained right ankle. It looks like the Rockets dodged a bullet, but his timetable is still unknown right now. Jock Landale figures to be the one replacing Sengun in the starting five. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore should also see additional minutes coming their way. Fantasy managers might want to use a wait-and-see approach right away.