The Houston Rockets made sure during the offseason that they loaded up on frontcourt depth, but unfortunately, they'll be missing one of their key pieces for the remainder of the year. Steven Adams suffered an injury to his ankle, and he will be missed for the rest of the season, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
“Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending surgery on his left ankle, sources tell ESPN,” Schefter wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Adams suffered the injury against the New Orleans Pelicans while he was guarding Zion Williamson at the rim. He slid over to help, and after he jumped to contest the shot from Williamson, he landed and grabbed his left ankle. Head coach Ime Udoka noted around the time that Adams would be out indefinitely because of a sprained ankle.
“Severely sprained ankle,” Udoka said via ESPN's Michael C. Wright. “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.”
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It looks like Adams' injury was serious enough that he had to get surgery, and now the Rockets will have to rely on their depth for the rest of the season. Clint Capela will now slot in as the backup center, as the Rockets were able to sign him in the offseason.
This is just another blow to the Rockets' season, as Adams is the second key player who will miss extended time for the team. Fred VanVleet suffered an ACL injury before the season started, but the team has kept the door open for him to reportedly return sometime later in the year or in the postseason.
Despite the injuries, the Rockets have still been one of the better teams in the Western Conference, and have been led by Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant.