Steven

Adams

Adams’ absence is a big blow to Houston’s rotation, as the big man has contributed strong defense and rebounding in 2025-26. Tari Eason should see a bump in playing time, while Clint Capela could pick up some extra minutes off the bench. The Rockets will likely roll with smaller lineups, and Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson will have more responsibility as rebounders.

Adams left Sunday’s game against the Pelicans with an ankle injury and didn’t return. While X-rays were negative, Udoka told reporters Tuesday that Adams is dealing with a Grade 3 ankle sprain and he’s out indefinitely. With Adams sidelined, Tari Eason will move back into the starting lineup and Clint Capela could move into the rotation as the backup center.

Eason is returning from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury. With Steven Adams (ankle) now set to miss extended time, Eason should slide right back into the starting lineup against the Spurs on Tuesday.

Eason has missed the last five games for the Rockets but could be back in the lineup to take on San Antonio. Steven Adams started in his place in Houston’s last game, but Josh Okogie had been starting previously. Eason would likely start if he returns.

Adams, who started alongside Alperen Şengün, needed help getting back to the locker room after rolling his left ankle during the fourth quarter. The good news is that X-rays were negative, so the veteran center is dealing with a sprain. However, Adams is likely going to miss some time, which should push Clint Capela (DNP-CD) into the rotation.

The Rockets will go with a bigger lineup for their final game of Week 13, with Adams replacing Josh Okogie in the starting five. Adams has a higher fantasy ceiling when starting, but he mainly provides rebounds in that role.

Adams played 25 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s loss to the Thunder. His absence from the injury report means he’ll be available for both ends of a back-to-back for the first time this season. Alperen Şengün is locked in as the starting center, which limits Adams’ fantasy upside.

After a three-game absence with a sprained right ankle, Şengün will play in Sacramento. His return means that Steven Adams will come off the bench. Joining Şengün in the starting lineup are Aaron Holiday, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. Holiday is starting for Tari Eason, who’s out with a sprained ankle.

Şengün has missed the last three games with a sprained right ankle, but he could be back sooner than the 10-14 days timeline provided by head coach Ime Udoka on January 5. If Şengün returns, Steven Adams will likely head to the bench, and Clint Capela will fall out of the rotation.

Adams returned from an ankle injury and started in place of Alperen Sengun (ankle) against the Suns on Monday. The 32-year-old center had eight points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes. Clint Capela only played nine minutes off the bench so it’s clear the Rockets prefer to rely on Adams with Sengun out.