One of the most important role players for the Houston Rockets will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
On Wednesday, ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania announced that Rockets center Steven Adams will miss the rest of the season after undergoing season-ending surgery on his left ankle.
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Houston Rockets center Steven Adams has undergone season-ending surgery on his left ankle, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/IG15RAPxQH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2026
The New Zealand native was playing his 12th NBA season and his second year in Houston.
Adams injured the ankle on Jan. 18 during the Rockets’ home game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He went down on the same night teammate Kevin Durant became the NBA’s sixth-all-time leading scorer, passing Dirk Nowitzki.
READ MORE: Kevin Durant passes Dirk Nowitzki to become the NBA’s sixth all-time leading scorer
The injury happened in the fourth quarter. After leaping to contest a floater by Zion Williamson, Adams landed awkwardly on his left foot and fell to the hardwood. He was helped to the locker room by staff members.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka initially described the injury as a sprained ankle during his postgame press conference. However, it was evidently more severe than first believed.
The loss of Adams is a significant blow for Houston.
While Adams may not jump off the stat sheet, his impact is undeniable when he’s on the floor. In addition to veteran leadership, his physicality is difficult to replace. He is among the league’s elite offensive rebounders and screen-setters.
Adams’ offensive strengths are especially valuable alongside Kevin Durant, whose shot-making gravity, mid-range scoring, and off-ball movement thrive with added space and second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, Adams serves as a stabilizing force for a Rockets roster loaded with long, versatile wings. Whether paired with or playing without star big-man Alperen Sengun, it’s difficult to dispute Adams’ importance to Houston’s success.
The Rockets currently have a 28-16 record, good for the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Their next matchup will be against the San Antonio Spurs, a Southwest Division rival, on Wednesday night. Tipoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.