Houston Rockets centre Alperen Sengun secures a place on Team World for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, earning a late call-up for the mid-season showpiece on 15 February 2026. Sengun joins the All-Star lineup as a replacement selection and strengthens international representation.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander strained an abdominal muscle on 3 February 2026 and is ruled out for at least another week. That absence opened the roster spot on Team World, with the league turning to a productive Western Conference rival.
This marks the second NBA All-Star Game appearance for Sengun, who is in the fifth season of a steady career. Sengun is averaging 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and a personal-best 6.3 assists, showing improved playmaking
from the centre position at age 23.
Sengun has been central to Houston’s strong campaign so far. The Rockets hold a 32-19 record, sharing fourth place in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers. That team success, combined with Sengun’s numbers, supported the All-Star case.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Team World for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game (Sunday, 2/15 on NBC & Peacock). pic.twitter.com/CuDLNeASsSNBA (@NBA) February 8, 2026
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver formally chose Sengun as the injury replacement for Gilgeous-Alexander on Sunday. The decision confirms Sengun’s standing among elite frontcourt players and gives Houston representation when the 2026 NBA All-Star Game tips off on 15 February 2026.
