Updated Jan. 19, 2026, 6:15 p.m. CT
With a left ankle sprain, veteran Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is listed as out for Tuesday’s home game versus the San Antonio Spurs.
The team has yet to disclose an expected return timetable. Less than a month ago, Adams missed approximately one week with a sprain to his other (right) ankle, albeit one that appeared more minor at the time.
In this case, Adams struggled to put any weight on his left leg and needed assistance from multiple teammates to go back to Houston’s locker room.
“It’s a sprained ankle,” head coach Ime Udoka said in comments after Sunday’s victory over New Orleans. The injury occurred when Adams landed awkwardly after contesting a Pelicans shot in the second half.
“A lot of swelling already, but nothing’s broken. Not a high ankle sprain. So, not sure about anything as far as time, but quite a bit of swelling and pain. Obviously, he couldn’t put much weight on it.”
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Adams is averaging 5.8 points (50.4% FG) and 8.6 rebounds (4.5 offensive) in 22.8 minutes per game this season. In his absence, third-string center Clint Capela will likely move up on the depth chart, while power forward Jabari Smith Jr. could also slide to center in smaller lineups.
Tuesday’s matchup between the Rockets (25-15) and Spurs (29-13) is a big one, since San Antonio is an in-state rival who currently owns the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings.
Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network and to a national audience via NBC and Peacock.
Houston is 14-3 this season at Toyota Center. Tari Eason, who has missed more than a week with his own ankle sprain, is questionable to return.
Udoka’s next update on Adams and Eason is likely to come in his 5:15 p.m. media session prior to Tuesday’s game.
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