Houston Rockets Center Steven Adams Out Indefinitely with Ankle Sprain
The Rockets' Steven Adams will be out indefinitely due to a sprained left ankle, coach Ime Udoka revealed. Adams, 32, is averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game for a Rockets team that leads the NBA in rebounding (49.2 per game).
Adams suffered the injury Sunday while guarding Zion Williamson at the rim. Sliding over to help Alperen Sengun defend Williamson, Adams jumped to contest a shot and immediately grabbed at his left ankle upon landing. Udoka described the injury as a 'severely sprained ankle', with initial assessments suggesting a Grade 3 sprain.
No. 3 center Clint Capela will now take over as the primary backup behind Sengun, and the Rockets may also use forward Jabari Smith Jr. at center in some lineups. Forward Tari Eason, who had been out with a sprained right ankle, returned in Tuesday's win, scoring two points in 20 minutes.
This injury news comes as a setback for the Rockets, who are currently leading the NBA in rebounding. Adams' absence will likely impact the team's performance and strategy, with the Rockets having to adapt their lineup and rely on other players to fill the void.
