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Alperen Sengun will get the All-Star nod.

The Los Angeles Lakers have the Houston Rockets on the ropes. Alperen Sengun and his team are trailing 0-2 as the series heads to Texas for the first time.

Being under the Lakers in the standings would typically leave the “underdogs” less discouraged. However, the Rockets entered the series as heavy favorites. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, LA’s top sharpshooters, have missed both games so far.

Sengun addressed reporters after a Thursday practice session ahead of Game 3. The veteran front-court star denied that the team was feeling any sense of discouragement.

Alperen Sengun Addresses The Rockets’ Mindset

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 28: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a three-point basket in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

“No… this is a long series,” Sengun said.

“This is a long series. We are confident. We’re going to go game-by-game, and we want to win this series still. We were down 3-1 last season, we came back to Game 7. We didn’t do a good job in Game 7, but we still came back. We never give up, and that’s who we are. We have two home games now, and we’re going to protect home, and go back to LA for the fifth game.”

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Kevin Durant #7 high fives Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Since Game 2 concluded, the Rockets have lost plenty of support as the favorites in the series. With the Lakers getting a massive boost from their supporting cast and improving defensively, LA simply looks like the better team so far.

When Will The Rockets Get A Chance To Bounce Back?

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 27: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets is defended by Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second half of the game at Toyota Center on October 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The series is set to resume on Friday, April 24.

Game 3 will take place in Houston, Texas, giving the Rockets a chance to have home-court advantage as they attempt to bounce back in front of their fans.

So far this series, Sengun has averaged 35.5 minutes of playing time. The veteran center has made 38.5% of his shots from the field, producing 19.5 points per game. He is also coming down with 9.5 rebounds per game, and producing 5.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks.