Rockets Center Steven Adams Suffers Season-Ending Ankle Injury
A devastating blow to their frontcourt rotation: the Houston Rockets will be without center Steven Adams for the remainder of the 2025-2026 NBA season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle. The injury occurred during a January 18th victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 32-year-old Adams sustained the injury while attempting to defend Pelicans star Zion Williamson at the rim. Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania that Adams grabbed at his ankle immediately after landing following a jump to contest Williamson’s shot, while providing help defense alongside Alperen Sengun.
Adams, a key contributor to the Rockets’ success, was averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game. His absence is particularly impactful given Houston’s league-leading rebounding numbers – averaging 49 rebounds per game.
Impact on the Rockets’ Frontcourt
With Adams sidelined, the Rockets will turn to center Clint Capela as the primary backup to Sengun. The team is also expected to utilize forward Jabari Smith Jr. in some lineups at the center position, providing versatility and spacing. This shift in the rotation presents both challenges and opportunities for Coach Ime Udoka as he navigates the remainder of the season.
The injury further complicates matters for Houston, which is already without starting point guard Fred VanVleet. Despite these setbacks, the Rockets remain firmly in playoff contention, currently holding one of the top seeds in the Western Conference with a record of 28-16. They are only two games behind the team currently in the No. 2 spot.
Maintaining Playoff Position
The Rockets’ ability to overcome these injuries and maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference will be a testament to their depth and coaching. While Adams’ physicality and rebounding prowess will be sorely missed, the team’s overall performance suggests they are capable of navigating this adversity.
The team will need continued strong performances from Sengun and Capela, as well as increased contributions from Smith Jr. and other role players, to remain among the conference’s elite. The Rockets’ resilience will be tested in the coming months as they strive to secure a favorable playoff seed.
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright contributed to this report.
