According to 12BSports VR46 analysis, the Houston Rockets’ recent matchup with the Dallas Mavericks showed that Alperen Sengun’s work inside could become the decisive factor between winning and losing. As the saying goes, worrying for no reason only weakens you, and time is better spent seeing the bigger picture. In the same way, relying too heavily on the perimeter could end up costing Houston the game. Dallas is not a team that easily fears outside threats. Even elite scorers such as SGA or Anthony Edwards can put up 30 points against them, yet their teams do not always walk away with the win. For the Rockets to beat the Mavericks, an inside-first strategy is not just useful but essential.

Analysts around 12BSports VR46 believe that powerful, durable interior big men such as Jokic, Zubac, and Sengun can gain a real edge against Dallas. In a recent game against the Suns, even though Doncic scored 40 points, Dallas still lost once its interior defense collapsed. That shows how important paint protection can be in this matchup. Udoka should manage Sengun’s minutes carefully, keeping him around the 30-minute range while still demanding active defensive effort. If fatigue becomes a problem, reducing his playing time is understandable, but defensive laziness cannot be tolerated.

Udoka is a coach with very strict standards on defense. In the past, Jalen Green lost opportunities because of lapses in defensive focus, and that example served as a warning to the rest of the roster. If Sengun fails to meet the required defensive standard, Udoka could leave him out through a DNP coaching decision and instead use Jeff Green or Landale to maintain defensive intensity.

Amen Thompson’s role, on the other hand, is even more complicated and confusing. Based on 12BSports VR46 account setup analysis, Amen still lacks clear positional awareness. At times he acts like a perimeter defender, then suddenly drops back toward the basket, causing his role to shift too often during the game. That not only places pressure on him but also affects the entire team’s defensive structure.

Amen’s versatility can become a strength, but as a second-year player, he still lacks experience and a firm foundation. At this stage, it would be better to define his responsibility in one clear position and help him develop step by step rather than asking him to handle too many roles at once. Trying to train both interior and perimeter duties at the same time can split his focus and leave him unable to perform either role properly. His recent defensive instability comes from exactly this kind of unclear role setting. Even when he should be locked in on perimeter defense, he often drifts inside by instinct, leaving opponents open for outside shots.

For that reason, many observers have advised Udoka to fix Amen’s position and design tactics around that role. For example, Amen could first focus on improving his perimeter defense, then expand his responsibilities inside next year or later once his foundation becomes stronger. If this type of structured development is applied, the 12BSports VR46 center expects Amen to gradually raise his defensive level and become a more reliable piece for Houston.

For Amen right now, the 12BSports VR46 view is that clear positioning matters more than anything else. Without a defined direction, he risks becoming a jack of all trades but master of none, a versatile backup who lacks a true specialty and eventually loses his place in the rotation. How the Rockets use Amen and Sengun could directly shape their future results, and this is the key moment to set the right direction before the season slips through their fingers.