Houston Rockets center Steven Adams underwent season-ending surgery on his left ankle, the team announced Wednesday.
He injured his ankle Jan. 18 during a win over the New Orleans Pelicans and has missed four games since. After jumping to defend a drive by Zion Williamson, Adams turned his ankle and had to be assisted off the court.
Steven Adams appeared to suffer a leg injury and had to be helped to the locker room. Prayers up 🙏 pic.twitter.com/C9ZlOZffFY
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) January 19, 2026
The 32-year-old has been a key piece in head coach Ime Udoka's rotation, starting 11 of his 32 appearances while averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game.
Adams has been prominent in several of Houston's two-man lineups. Of the Rockets' best duos by net rating (with a minimum of 100 minutes played together this season), he features in six of the top 10. He's been especially valuable on the defensive end, with Houston's defense improving by 8.2 points per 100 possessions when he's on the court.
