Sengun recorded 16 points (6-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and three blocks in 22 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas but will take a seat Sunday. Sengun is coming off another impressive year, averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game across 72 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. However, the star center shot just 69.1 percent from the charity stripe and 30.5 percent from downtown. He's been focused on improving in those areas this offseason, and an uptick in efficiency would be a significant step toward becoming a more well-rounded player.
VanVleet made his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury more than a year ago, finishing with 17 points (5-12 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven assists, two rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas. The veteran point guard will likely be limited throughout the 2026-27 season, but he's on track to be the starting point guard on Opening Night.
According to coach Ime Udoka, Durant was initially scheduled to play only the first half Friday but requested additional minutes to build chemistry with Fred VanVleet and his other new teammates. The veteran forward's absence Sunday appears to be a planned precaution rather than an injury-related setback, and Houston should have additional minutes available for its other wings and forwards
Adams totaled two points (1-1 FG), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 14 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks, marking his first game action since undergoing ankle surgery in January. The veteran center is expected to be the primary backup to Alperen Sengun this season.
