Alperen Sengun, Michael Porter Jr. headlines a lengthy Rockets-Nets injury report

The Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets meet Thursday night at 6:00 PM ET with injury concerns are high for both teamsaccording to the NBA’s official injury report.. Several key players are listed as questionable, with the Rockets center Alperen Sengun and the Nets ahead Michael Porter Jr. attract the most attention. Their availability could have a big impact on how this matchup plays out in early 2026, especially in the frontcourt.

Houston enters the game with a total of seven names on the injury report. Sengun was listed as questionable with a left soleus strain after adjusting his calves, having missed his last two games. The Rockets have taken a day-to-day approach on him and plan to re-evaluate his status closer to tipoff. Sengun has been central to Houston’s offense this season, averaging 22.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists.

In addition to Sengun, big men Steven Adams (sprained right ankle) and Clint Capela (illness) are also dealing with their own health issues. Isaiah Crawford and Tyler Smith have been ruled out while on G League assignment. Houston is already adjusting without Fred VanVleet, who is out for the season after undergoing anterior knee surgery on his right knee, making frontcourt depth and stability even more important.

The Nets have their own problems. Yegor Demin is sidelined with lower back pain, while Haywood Highsmith continues to recover from right knee surgery. Terrance Mann is questionable with a right hip contusion, and Porter is also listed as questionable as he works through an illness.

Porter contributed a lot to the Netsaveraged 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season. His status is especially significant as Brooklyn looks to keep the momentum going after winning seven of its last 11 games.

Both teams face lineup challenges that could alter rotations and game plans. Houston may struggle to replace Sengun’s game and interior presence if he sits, while Brooklyn could lean more heavily on Nick Claxton, who has provided steady production on both ends of the floor.

This game also features Kevin Durant against his former team, and he will look to have a big game, especially if Sengun sits.