Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is out indefinitely due to a sprained left ankle, coach Ime Udoka announced Tuesday before a 111-106 home win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Steven Adams Has Grade 3 Left Ankle Sprain
According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, Udoka said after the game that there was “a lot of swelling already, but nothing’s broken,” noting the injury is “not a high ankle sprain.”
“Severely sprained ankle,” Udoka added. “I think [it’s] a Grade 3 or so, but still gathering information, opinions. But I don’t think he’ll be back anytime soon.”
Although it’s unclear when Adams will be able to make his return, athletes with severe ankle sprains are typically sidelined for six to 12 weeks. The 6-foot-11 big man would also need time to get back into shape.
Steven Adams is “out indefinitely,” Ime Udoka tells me.
It is a “severely sprained, Grade 3 ankle sprain.” Udoka says the Rockets are still gathering information.Tari Eason is available.
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) January 20, 2026
Adams, 32, suffered the injury Sunday in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans while guarding Zion Williamson at the rim. He jumped to block Williamson’s shot and immediately grabbed at his left ankle upon landing.
Through 32 appearances (11 starts) this season, Adams is averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 22.8 minutes per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 58% from the foul line.
Clint Capela To Replace Adams For Rockets
After missing the entire 2023-24 campaign due to knee surgery, Adams appeared in 58 games (three starts) last season and led the NBA in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes (7.5).
During the offseason, Adams agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension to remain with the Rockets. His deal is fully guaranteed through 2028, according to Spotrac.
With Adams sidelined, Clint Capela is now expected to take over as the primary backup behind Alperen Sengun, and Houston could occasionally insert forward Jabari Smith Jr. into the lineup at center.
Sengun sustained a lateral right ankle sprain just over a minute into Houston’s game at Dallas on Jan. 3, and was ruled out for the remainder of the 110-104 loss.
The 23-year-old ended up missing three straight games after it was reported that he’d be out for 10 to 14 days.
Despite this latest news, fourth-year wing Tari Eason returned in Tuesday’s win after missing the past five games due to a sprained right ankle. He scored two points in 20 minutes against San Antonio.
The Rockets visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
