Steven Adams was downgraded from day-to-day to out for the Rockets' season opener against the Dallas Mavericks because of a right calf injury. Houston starts its 2026-27 season without its backup center, and the injury report lists Oct. 23 as his expected return.
What happened
Steven Adams is out for Houston's game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The official injury report filed at 8:05 p.m. ET lists him with a right calf injury. The 33-year-old center was day-to-day with the same calf issue on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The report's comment still had him questionable for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks, but his status is now out. This is his second straight day on the report with the calf. He was cleared from a day-to-day listing on Oct. 17.
What it means for the Rockets
The Rockets host the Mavericks on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 8:30 p.m. ET. It is the season opener, and Houston is 0-0. Adams is a rebounding big off the bench. Last season he averaged 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes over 32 games. When he has been out, Alperen Sengun has carried the center minutes, averaging 33.3 minutes and 20.4 points in those games. Jabari Smith Jr. (35.1 minutes) and Amen Thompson (37.4) have also played heavy minutes, and Kevin Durant has averaged 26.0 points in 36.4 minutes. Houston has no regular-season record with or without Adams yet.
What to watch
The injury report lists Oct. 23 as Adams' expected return. That means a short absence, but the date is not a guarantee. The next injury report will show whether he moves back to day-to-day or questionable. Watch for whether Sengun's workload goes up against Dallas, and how Houston uses its frontcourt depth in the opener without its backup center.
Is Steven Adams playing vs Mavericks on Wed, Oct 21?
No. The official injury report filed at 8:05 p.m. ET lists Adams as out with a right calf injury for Wednesday's 8:30 p.m. ET game against the Mavericks.
When will Steven Adams be back?
The injury report lists Oct. 23 as his expected return. The next report will confirm whether he is on track for that date.