The Houston Rockets are going to be without one of their most experienced frontcourt anchors for the foreseeable future. Just ahead of their matchup with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that veteran center Steven Adams is out indefinitely with a Grade 3 ankle sprain - a severe injury that typically comes with an extended recovery timeline.
The injury occurred during Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Adams went down in the fourth quarter and had to be helped off the court. He didn’t return to the game, finishing with five points, 10 rebounds, and two assists in 27 minutes - a typical blue-collar stat line from the 32-year-old big man who’s made a career out of doing the dirty work.
This latest setback is particularly tough for Adams, who had already missed time earlier in the season with another ankle issue. Now, with a new lower-body injury to manage, the Rockets are left waiting for more information before any kind of timeline can be established.
Adams’ absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Rockets’ rotation. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact is felt in the trenches - on the glass, in setting bruising screens, and providing a physical presence in the paint. Through the season so far, he’s averaged 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while anchoring the second unit and offering valuable veteran leadership.
With Adams sidelined, the Rockets will likely lean more heavily on Clint Capela to absorb backup center minutes behind Alperen Sengun. Capela’s experience and rim protection will be key as Houston looks to maintain its interior presence, especially against teams with elite size like San Antonio.
Adams signed a three-year, $39 million extension with the Rockets last summer, a move that underscored Houston’s commitment to blending youth with veteran experience. While the team has plenty of young talent, Adams brings a level of toughness and reliability that isn’t easily replaced.
For now, the Rockets will have to navigate the coming stretch without one of their most dependable bigs. And while the timeline remains uncertain, one thing is clear - Adams’ grit and rebounding will be missed until he’s back on the floor.