Report: Rockets C Steven Adams has season-ending ankle surgery

Field Level Media|published: Wed 28th January, 16:32 2026

Jan 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) is helped off the court after an injury against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has had surgery on his left ankle and is out for the season, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

The Rockets listed Adams out for the game Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs because of a sprained left ankle. Head coach Ime Udoka said on Jan. 20 that Adams sustained a "severely sprained, Grade 3 ankle sprain" and will be out indefinitely.

Adams, 32, has not played since he was injured in a 119-110 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 18.

He is averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 22.8 minutes in 32 games (11 starts) in his second season in Houston. The Rockets lead the league in rebounding average (49 per game).

Adams signed a three-year, $39 million contract extension with the Rockets in June 2025 that is fully guaranteed, according to reports.

Adams, who came to Houston to be a backup for All-Star center Alperen Sengun, was primarily a starter earlier in his career.

He's averaged 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 25.7 minutes in 796 regular-season games (655 starts) for the Oklahoma City Thunder (2013-20), Pelicans (2020-21), Memphis Grizzlies (2021-23) and Rockets (2024-26). He missed the 2023-24 season due to injury.

The Thunder selected the native of New Zealand with the 12th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft out of Pitt.

--Field Level Media

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