Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain of his left ankle, head coach Ime Udoka told reporters on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s Will Guillory.
The Cleveland Clinic defines a Grade 3 sprain as a complete ligament tear, the most severe level of ankle sprain, typically accompanied by significant swelling and pain. Severe sprains generally require six to 12 weeks to heal before an athlete can resume full activity.
Adams, 32, was hurt in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran rolled his ankle while contesting a layup by Zion Williamson and needed assistance to leave the court.
The injury is another setback for the 10-year veteran, who missed the entire 2023-24 season because of a knee problem. In 32 appearances this season, the New Zealand native is averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds—including a league-leading 4.5 offensive boards—and 22.8 minutes per game. Houston owns a plus-11.8 net rating when Adams plays, compared with plus-3.4 when he sits.
With Adams unavailable, Udoka is expected to lean more on Clint Capela in the frontcourt. The coach could also slide Jabari Smith Jr. to center when starter Alperen Şengün is off the floor.
The Rockets did receive some positive news: forward Tari Eason will return Tuesday after missing five games because of a right ankle sprain, Udoka said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
