Who's X-Factor in Pacers vs. Rockets?

Considering the Indiana Pacers' stacked injury report, it's a surprise they have enough players to follow through with the Houston Rockets contest on Wednesday. Between the injuries, both the Pacers' front and backcourt were decimated at the wrong time. The Pacers' matchup with the 10-5 Rockets features a dangerous center, Alperen Sengun.

Given the Pacers' injury-raved frontcourt, Sengun is an x-factor in Wednesday's contest. © Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Averaging 17.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 4.



9 assists, such stats from Sengun indicate why he earned the nickname "Baby Joker." Conversely, with Myles Turner listed as questionable on Wednesday and James Wiseman and Isiah Jackson out for the season, the Pacers lack a formidable defender for such a matchup nightmare. However, in a move of desperation and necessity, recently signed Moses Brown is the default answer to an impossible problem, at least regarding the Pacers' roster.

Brown's recent action occurred in the G League with the Westchester Knicks. Although Brown produced impressive stats in the G League, averaging 18.5 points and 13.

3 rebounds, the potential for a Sengun triple-double against the Pacers is high. Related: Who is Debuting for Pacers vs. Rockets? In Sengun's last outing vs.

the Washington Wizards, the Rockets center posted 27 points, 17 rebounds, and three assists. Furthermore, Sengun posted two triple-doubles in his previous five performances. Both triple-doubles occurred against the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Although neither team has elite centers, Nikola Vucevic and Ivica Zubac bang on the boards, alluding to how tough Sengun is in posting double-digit rebounds vs. formidable opponents. Whether Turner returns from injury or Brown receives a welcome-back moment in the NBA, the Pacers will have their jobs cut out for them against a future NBA All-Star.

Related: Who is Playing for Pacers vs. Rockets?.