Alperen Sengun RETURNS, But Rockets Get OUTHUSTLED By Kings As Offense Continues To MISFIRE Houston Rockets stunned by Sacramento Kings as their third straight loss exposes alarming issues on both ends. Alperen Sengun’s return couldn’t spark the stagnant offense, while the team was out-rebounded and crushed in second-chance points—a category they usually dominate. With Jabari Smith Jr. and Aaron Holiday struggling, and Reed Shepard seeing his minutes cut, is Ime Udoka’s rotation losing its edge at a crucial point in the season? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) breaks down Amen Thompson’s big night, the puzzling decision to start Holiday over Okogie or Sheppard, and the pivotal late-game sequence that doomed the Rockets. Hear sharp analysis on the relationship between Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr., defensive lapses without Tari Eason, and why the Rockets’ inability to execute in crunch time threatens their playoff ambitions. Can this talented squad regain its identity at home, or are deeper roster changes needed? #Rockets #NBA #AlperenSengun 📺 Subscribe On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LockedOnRockets 📲 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTGatlin & https://twitter.com/LockedOnRockets 📲 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jtgatlin.bsky.social 🎧 Follow/Subscribe/Listen: Locked On Rockets Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnRockets Locked On NBA Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Everydayer Club – If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash – From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash. Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door. DoorDash. In your bag all season long. Zocdoc – Stop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need. Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Wayfair – Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Gametime – Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel – Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #HoustonRockets #Rockets #NBA #KevinDurant #AlperenSengun #AmenThompson #JabariSmithJr #TariEason #ReedSheppard #FredVanVleet #DorianFinneySmith #StevenAdams #AaronHoliday #JaeSeanTate #JeffGreen #ClintCapela #JoshOkogie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.