Western Conference Roundup: Şengün returns ahead of schedule; Booker eyes Saturday; Horford remembered in OKC; Cissoko and Love near two-way limits
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Houston: Rockets center Alperen Şengün missed only three games over a seven-day stretch after a right ankle sprain that was initially projected to sideline him 10–14 days. Speaking Wednesday, the third-year big man acknowledged he is “still not 100 percent” but said he plans to keep playing while receiving daily treatment. Houston has dropped four of its last five contests, including a 20-point home defeat to Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Phoenix: Suns guard Devin Booker sat out Thursday’s loss in Detroit with a left ankle sprain, his fourth absence this season. Interim head coach Jordan Ott told reporters he is optimistic the four-time All-Star could be available Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Booker previously missed time because of a groin issue.
Oklahoma City: Al Horford’s lone season with the Thunder continues to draw praise nearly three years later. Forward Kenrich Williams told The Oklahoman that the veteran big man set an example for younger teammates by showing “how to prepare for games” and staying engaged even when he wasn’t in the rotation. Horford rejuvenated his market value in Oklahoma City after a disappointing campaign in Philadelphia.
Portland: Trail Blazers two-way players Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love are approaching the NBA’s 50-game active limit for two-way contracts, according to The Rose Garden Report. If he remains active nightly, Cissoko will hit the cap on February 11, while Love is projected to reach his limit later in the month. Both have become regulars in Portland’s injury-thinned rotation, strengthening their cases for standard deals.
Source: Hoops Rumors
