Jackson Gatlin here, the host of the daily Locked On Rockets podcast, with your daily Locked On Rockets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Rockets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
By the way, does some of this look familiar? We sent the newsletter and forgot the best part: your team story.
Locked On Rockets
Alperen Sengun Named Western Conference Player Of The Week + Houston Rockets Quarter Season Check-In
Alperen Sengun Shines as Houston Rockets Surge Forward
The Houston Rockets are making waves this NBA season, and at the heart of their success is Alperen Sengun. Recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week, Sengun has been instrumental in the Rockets impressive start and 3-0 record last week, which included thrilling overtime victories against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as a solid win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. His performance has been nothing short of stellar, averaging 21.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, along with notable defensive contributions.
Sengun’s Impact and Historical Context
Sengun’s current season stats are placing him in elite company. Averaging 18.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, he joins a prestigious list of players who have achieved similar numbers, including legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Larry Bird. This recognition not only highlights Sengun’s individual brilliance but also brings much-needed national attention to the Rockets, a team that has been under the radar for too long.
The Rockets strong start to the season, reminiscent of their 2017-2018 campaign, is a testament to their growth and potential. With a record of 15-6, they are proving to be formidable contenders in the Western Conference. Sengun’s ability to impact both ends of the floor is a key factor in this success, and his recognition as Player of the Week is a step towards greater visibility for the team.
Houston Rockets Defensive Prowess
Defensively, the Rockets are making a significant mark, ranking second in the NBA with a defensive rating of 104.3. This achievement is a result of strategic rotations and the contributions of players like Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, and Tari Eason. The team’s defensive strength is a cornerstone of their success, allowing them to compete with the best in the league.
Offensively, the Rockets are still finding their rhythm, currently sitting at 15th in the NBA. Despite challenges in shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, the team is leveraging their defensive capabilities to create scoring opportunities. Their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on second-chance points is helping to offset offensive inefficiencies.
As the season progresses, the Rockets have the potential to climb higher in offensive rankings. With improvements in shooting and continued defensive excellence, they could become a well-rounded team capable of challenging any opponent.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets journey this season, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Analysis of the Houston Rockets statistical standing through the quarter mark of the NBA season.
- A look at the final NBA Cup matchup against the Sacramento Kings and potential outcomes.
- Discussion on De’Aaron Fox and his potential impact on the Rockets future.
- Insights into the Rockets offensive and defensive strategies moving forward.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Honor Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun has been named the Western Conference Player of the Week, reflecting his exceptional performances on the court. This accolade highlights his contributions to the team’s recent victories. (The Dream Shake)
Preview The Houston Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings in an NBA Cup game. Check out the game preview for insights and betting odds. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Veteran leadership from Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks is crucial for the Houston Rockets’ success this season. Discover how they are leading the team. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
NBA Cup: Rockets @ Kings Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:00 PM | Golden 1 Center (Sacremento, CA) | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Warriors
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Chase Center (San Francisco, CA) | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Clippers
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
Jalen Green Scores 41 & Alperen Sengun THE CLOSER In Houston Rockets Overtime Win Vs 76ers Dive into the Rockets gritty overtime win against the 76ers as Jalen Green shines with a season-high 41 points and Coach Ime Udoka shows his trust in Alperen Sengun during crunch time, emerging as the closer, scoring 11 of his 22 points in overtime and delivering key defensive plays.
Alperen Sengun Two-Way Force & Amen Thompson CLUTCH Plays In Houston Rockets OT Win Vs Wolves Breaking down the Rockets thrilling overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, clinching NBA Cup West Group A and advancing to the Knockout Round, including Alperen Sengun’s evolution into a two-way force and Amen Thompson’s clutch moments.
Can Alperen Sengun & Houston Rockets Clinch NBA Cup Group Vs Anthony Edwards & Wolves? Explore the Rockets defensive prowess, led by a rejuvenated Tari Eason and the evolving skills of Alperen Sengun. Discover how Anthony Edwards remarkable three-point shooting could shift the Timberwolves strategy and more.
