Steven Adams was added to the Rockets' injury report Sunday, listed day-to-day with a left ankle issue, in his first appearance on the report. The Rockets have not played a game yet this season, so the immediate effect falls on training-camp planning rather than a game rotation.
What happened
Adams appeared on the Rockets' injury report Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4:32 a.m. ET, listed day-to-day with an ankle issue on his left leg. There is no previous status on file, so this is his first listing this cycle. The report's comment notes that the Rockets announced Wednesday that Adams underwent season-ending left ankle surgery, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1, 2026.
What it means for the Rockets
Houston's next game is at the Mavericks on Fri., Oct. 9. The Rockets are 0-0, with the 2026-27 season not yet underway, so there is no record split with or without Adams to point to. Last season he averaged 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes across 32 games. Without him available, the frontcourt minutes in the rotation belong to Alperen Sengun (33.3 min, 20.4 pts) and Jabari Smith Jr. (35.1 min, 15.8 pts), with Amen Thompson (37.4 min, 18.3 pts) and Kevin Durant (36.4 min, 26.0 pts) leading the wing and forward spots.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Adams' status changes ahead of the Oct. 9 opener at Dallas. His expected return is listed as Oct. 1, 2026, which falls before that game. Beyond the opener, the Rockets' early schedule will show how the frontcourt rotation of Sengun and Smith Jr. holds up in his absence.
Is Steven Adams playing at the Mavericks on Oct. 9?
He is listed day-to-day with a left ankle issue. His expected return date on the official report is Oct. 1, 2026, ahead of that game, but no confirmed status for the opener has been announced.
When will Steven Adams be back?
The official injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1, 2026.