Houston Rockets center Steven Adams was forced to exit Sunday’s victory over New Orleans after suffering a left ankle sprain late in the fourth quarter, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.
The big man was unable to put weight on the leg and needed help from staff members as he was escorted off the floor.
After the game, head coach Ime Udoka told sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson that Adams’ ankle had already swollen significantly, though X-rays did not reveal any structural damage.
The injury appeared serious in real time, as Adams was visibly in pain following the play. Video of the incident shows him rolling his left ankle while contesting a layup attempt by Zion Williamson.
Now 32 years old, Adams has appeared in 32 games this season, serving as a key interior presence for Houston.
He is averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in 22.8 minutes, highlighted by a league-leading 4.5 offensive rebounds per contest.
Southwest Notes: Adams, Durant, Dirk, Mavs, Morant https://t.co/3tKRJYilTc pic.twitter.com/ClPiCfvp1X
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 20, 2026
