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Houston Rockets Center Out Indefinitely In Nightmare Scenario

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 7:00 AM ET

Bad injury news tends to arrive at the worst possible time, as one Houston Rockets center is out for the foreseeable future. Just as the team continues to wrestle with late-game execution and rotation balance, head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that Steven Adams is out indefinitely, removing one of Houston’s most stabilizing presences from the lineup with no clear return date in sight.

Before Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Udoka revealed that Adams suffered a severe left ankle sprain, describing it as a Grade 3 injury. While additional medical evaluations are still ongoing, the message was clear. This is not a short-term setback, and the Rockets should not expect Adams back anytime soon.

Houston Rockets Center Out Indefinitely In Nightmare Scenario

Adams went down Sunday during Houston’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans in a moment that immediately raised concern. While rotating over to help defend Zion Williamson at the rim, Adams jumped to contest the shot and landed awkwardly on his left ankle. He grabbed the ankle instantly and collapsed to the floor, unable to put weight on the leg.

Postgame evaluations ruled out a fracture and confirmed that the injury was not a high ankle sprain, but the swelling was already significant. Those early signs aligned with what Udoka later confirmed. Adams being out indefinitely became the reality once the severity of the ligament damage was identified.

Grade 3 ankle sprains typically involve complete ligament tears, and recovery timelines often stretch deep into the season. While no official estimate has been provided, similar injuries across the league have sidelined players for several weeks or even months. In some cases, availability does not come until the early stages of the playoffs, if at all.

Why Steven Adams Was So Important to This Rockets Team

Adams does not dominate box scores, yet his impact is deeply embedded in how Houston plays. He is averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in limited minutes, but those numbers only hint at his value. The Rockets lead the NBA in rebounding, and Adams has been a cornerstone of that identity.

His physical presence allows Houston to control tempo, generate second chances, and wear opponents down over the course of a game. On defense, he absorbs contact and anchors the paint, freeing Alperen Sengun to operate more effectively without shouldering every physical matchup.

That is why Steven Adams out indefinitely represents more than a simple depth issue. It removes one of the few players on the roster whose role is irreplaceable by committee. Adams does the work that rarely shows up in highlights but consistently shows up in wins.

The Ripple Effect On Houston’s Rotation

Jan 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) attempts to grab a rebound during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

With Adams sidelined, Houston’s frontcourt rotation immediately becomes more fragile. Clint Capela is expected to take on an expanded role as the primary backup center behind Sengun. While Capela provides rebounding and experience, the physical edge Adams brings is unique.

Udoka will likely experiment with smaller lineups, using Jabari Smith Jr. at center in certain situations. That approach may help spacing offensively. However, it also exposes Houston defensively against teams that thrive on interior scoring and offensive rebounding.

The timing of this injury compounds the concern. Houston has already struggled to close games, and Adams’ rebounding presence often acts as a safety valve late. Without him, each possession in the fourth quarter or overtime becomes more volatile, especially against teams willing to attack the paint relentlessly.

A Growing List Of Challenges For A Contending Team

This season has repeatedly tested Houston’s depth and adaptability. Injuries, late-game collapses, and rotation questions have all surfaced at different points. Adams being out indefinitely adds another challenge to a team that has little margin for error in a crowded Western Conference.

At 32 years old, Adams is not a player the Rockets will rush back. Udoka emphasized they will prioritize long-term health over short-term urgency. It is a sensible approach given the risk of reinjury with severe ankle sprains. Still, caution does not erase the competitive cost of his absence.

Houston remains a strong team, but it now has to win without one of its most reliable anchors. That adjustment will test not only the roster but also the coaching staff’s ability to preserve identity while reshaping roles.

For now, the reality is unavoidable. Steven Adams, a key center for the Houston Rockets, is out indefinitely. This changes the texture of this Rockets season. How Houston responds to that loss may end up defining whether this campaign remains a step forward or turns into a grind defined by what could have been.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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