Houston Rockets center Steven Adams underwent season-ending surgery on his left ankle, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.
Steven Adams Suffered Injury Against Pelicans
Rockets coach Ime Udoka announced before last Tuesday’s 111-106 home win over the San Antonio Spurs that Adams would remain out indefinitely due to the injury.
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.”
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending surgery on his left ankle, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/IG15RAPxQH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2026
Adams, 32, suffered the injury in a Jan. 18 victory 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.
In 32 appearances (11 starts) this season, Adams averaged 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.
Rockets Still Have Disabled Player Exception
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.
Houston still has sufficient frontcourt depth, with veteran Clint Capela backing up Alperen Sengun. However, the Rockets could seek more help in the middle ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Although the Rockets won’t be granted a disabled player exception (DPE) for Adams because the deadline to apply for a DPE was Jan. 15, the team still has one worth $12.5 million as a result of Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear.
The Rockets hold a 28-16 record entering Wednesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. Houston ranks fourth in the Western Conference standings, trailing the third place Denver Nuggets (31-16) by 1½ games.
