HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets secured a gritty 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, but the celebration was muted by a terrifying sight in the fourth quarter: veteran center Steven Adams collapsing to the floor and eventually being carried to the locker room.
For a few tense hours, Rockets fans feared the worst. Adams, who has a significant history of lower-body injuries, went down while contesting a layup by Zion Williamson with just under ten minutes remaining. The “Kiwi Phenom” landed awkwardly on his left leg and immediately grabbed at the limb, unable to put any weight on it as he was helped off the floor by team staff.
The Diagnosis: A Major Bullet Dodged
Speaking to reporters postgame, Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka delivered the update everyone was waiting for—and it was significantly better than it looked.
“Sprained ankle. Lots of swelling already. Nothing broken,” Udoka said.
Crucially, Udoka also ruled out the dreaded “high ankle sprain,” a diagnosis that typically sidelines players for weeks or even months. While there is no firm timetable for his return yet, the elimination of a fracture or high-ankle issue is a massive relief for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
The Play and The Impact
The injury occurred during a defensive stand where Adams displayed his trademark hustle, challenging the powerful Williamson at the rim. Before exiting, Adams had been a force in the paint, tallying 5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists in 27 minutes.
His absence was felt immediately, but the Rockets managed to hold on for the win. Adams has been a cornerstone of Houston’s identity this season, particularly on the glass, where he ranks among the league leaders in offensive rebounding.
Next Man Up
With Adams likely out for at least a few games to manage the “significant swelling,” the Rockets will turn to their depth.
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Clint Capela: The veteran big man is expected to step into a larger role off the bench (or potentially start) to provide rim protection and rebounding.
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Dorian Finney-Smith: Expect “DFS” to see increased minutes in small-ball lineups if the Rockets need to match up with faster teams.
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Alperen Sengun: The star center will shoulder an even heavier load, though the team will need to be careful not to wear him down.
What’s Next?
The Rockets (25-15) don’t have much time to dwell on the situation; they face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. While losing Adams is a blow, the “nothing broken” news feels like a victory in itself. As Udoka noted, they are not sure about the timeline yet, but avoiding a season-ending diagnosis keeps their championship hopes firmly intact.
