Last Updated on 1 day ago by Vijay Kumar
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams was forced to leave the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 18 after injuring his left ankle late in the fourth quarter. The injury occurred when Adams landed awkwardly while attempting to contest a shot near the basket. He immediately showed visible discomfort, struggled to put weight on his leg, and was helped off the court by the team’s medical staff before heading to the locker room.
Steven Adams gets injured upon landing and is helped to the locker room (with replays) pic.twitter.com/H5ZzbLL9X4
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 19, 2026
After the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that Adams had been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain. Initial medical evaluations ruled out any fracture, offering some relief for the team. However, subsequent reports indicated that the injury may be a high ankle sprain, which is generally more serious than a standard sprain and can require a longer recovery period.
The Rockets have not provided a definitive timetable for Adams’ return, stating that his availability will depend on swelling reduction and how he responds to treatment in the coming days. Adams has been a key contributor for Houston, particularly with his physical presence in the paint, rebounding ability, and defensive toughness. His potential absence could impact the Rockets’ frontcourt rotation as the team waits for further updates on his condition.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.