Alperen Sengun led the Houston Rockets after recording 39 points and 16 rebounds, enough to defeat the Indiana Pacers, 118-114. This was the Rockets' third straight win, proof of their solid form in the current stage of the NBA season.
Despite missing the NBA All-Star Game, Sengun showed dominance on both ends of the court. He was followed by Jabari Smith Jr. with 19 points and Amen Thompson with 16 points, as Houston's record improved to 31-17, remaining fourth in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves's four-game winning streak was snapped after they were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies, 137-128. Even without Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. starred with his 30 points, while seven Memphis players scored in double figures.
In the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets shined again after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans, 102-95, and extending their seven-game winning streak. Starring LaMelo Ball, he finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, despite a temporary injury in the first quarter.
After rallying from a 22-point deficit, Charlotte improved to 23-28, moving closer to playoff contention. Also contributing were Kon Knueppel with 17 points, and Brandon Miller and Grant Williams with 16 points each, in a win that further strengthened the team's confidence.
