Alperen Sengun will get a chance to set the tone against Wembanyama right away

Every day is a step closer to the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. For the Houston Rockets, we now know when that first step will be taken: October 23rd in Austin, Texas, to take on the San Antonio Spurs.

It has been a quiet month for Houston, one that has us living off of Kevin Durant drama or even dreaming of an old rival becoming available, but at the end of the day, we can now start looking forward to some key matchups.

Alperen Sengun is giving off a vibe that strikes me as someone who wants to prove the fans wrong in the criticisms that Rockets players heard all last season. This first matchup is against who many see as the best center in the league, Victor Wembanyama, so this provides Sengun the chance to kick off the season with a bang.

San Antonio is a team looking to scorch earth this year

After a disappointing showing in last year's NBA Finals, Wemby will undoubtedly want to start his year on a good note to set the tone for what he’ll hope is another Finals run. But with some new faces and another year of experience together, Sengun and his Rockets teammates will be looking to capitalize.

In four games against the Spurs last year, Sengun averaged 19.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 9.3 rebounds, not too bad all things considered when you have the Defensive Player of the Year guarding you. It is important to note, however, that Houston only managed a 1-3 record in these matchups, with one loss on March 8th being a game where they gave up 145 points to San Antonio.

Sengun can change the narrative this season

Despite the up-and-down love Sengun has received in Houston, he genuinely has gotten better every year. He is coming off his second All-Star selection in a row, and also led Turkey to a silver medal in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament. He has shown qualities that are needed in a leader, while still being young enough to justify any growing pains.

The Rockets will want to see more efficient scoring and better defense from Sengun this season. If he can deliver on those needs, the team will look a lot better and he can put himself back into the conversation of the NBA's best young centers, right next to Wemby.

All in all, Houston can compete with Wemby and his Spurs if Sengun can keep up, but teammate play is as important. If the incoming Marcus Smart can help keep a player like Stephon Castle and/or Dylan Harper at bay, it takes pressure off the other young guys on the roster to have a big day themselves; only time will tell.

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