Since Kevin Porter Jr. went out on Jan. 11 with a left foot injury, the emergence and higher usage of second-year center Alperen Sengun has become a huge storyline for the Houston Rockets.
Now, with second-year guard Jalen Green registering two 40+ point games in his last three outings — including a career-high 42 in Monday’s win over Minnesota, which snapped an NBA-worst losing streak — an argument can clearly be made that the change in style is helping to improve the team and prospects around Sengun, as well.
With that in mind, Tuesday’s episode of “The Lager Line” (sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing) explores what those trends could tell us about the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
Hosted by Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, discussion topics include:
- Reasons for the improved performance by Green, as well as its broader implications for the rebuild and team building;
- Why running more offense through Sengun appears to be the smart play, even after Porter eventually returns;
- How increased pace is potentially helping Green and many of his young, athletic teammates on the Rockets;
- What the emergence of rookie forward Tari Eason could mean for Houston as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches.
Over seven games since Jan. 11, Green is averaging 28.2 points and 3.5 assists for the Rockets on 46.9% shooting and 38.6% on 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Sengun is averaging 19.4 points (67.9% FG), 10.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game over that same period.
Tuesday’s complete podcast can be listened to below. Tune in!
Photo: Getty Images