Steven Adams questionable for Rockets' game vs. Mavericks with right calf issue
Steven Adams is listed as day-to-day with a right calf injury and questionable for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks. The 33-year-old center enters his 13th season as a backup big for Houston. His estimated return is October 21.
By the Rockets Nightly Desk · updated 19 h ago01The story of the nightThe calf injury and what comes nextAdams went on the injury report on October 20 with a right calf issue.
Adams went on the injury report on October 20 with a right calf issue. The Rockets list him as day-to-day, and his estimated return date is October 21. The official word is that he is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks. That leaves the decision close to game time. Nothing in his recent history suggests a long absence. He was cleared from a day-to-day listing on October 17 after sitting out for rest on October 11. Earlier, he was day-to-day with a left ankle issue on September 6 and cleared on September 29. For a 33-year-old center who weighs 279 pounds, the Rockets have reason to be careful with a calf. Expect Houston to err on the side of rest if there is any doubt before tip-off.
02What Adams gave Houston last seasonLast season Adams played 32 games for the Rockets at 22.8 minutes a night.
Last season Adams played 32 games for the Rockets at 22.8 minutes a night. He averaged 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists, with 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks. He shot 50.4 percent from the field and 58.0 percent from the line, and he did not attempt threes. His usage rate was 11.6 percent, which tells you he was not there to score. His true shooting was 53.5 percent. The number that stands out is the plus-minus: a 6.1 last season. Houston was better with him on the floor, even in limited minutes. His job was to rebound, set screens, and keep possessions alive. The box score numbers are modest. The impact was not.
03A look at his recent gamesThe preseason gave a small sample.
The preseason gave a small sample. On October 9 against Dallas, a Houston win, Adams played 14.2 minutes and had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist with a minus-3. On October 11, also against Dallas, he did not play in a Rockets loss. That matches his day-to-day rest listing from the same date. The last stretch of regular-season games from last January shows the usual profile. He had 10 rebounds against New Orleans on January 18, 11 against Oklahoma City on January 15, and 11 in back-to-back games against Portland on January 7 and 9. On January 5 against Phoenix he had 8 points and 11 rebounds in 31.3 minutes with a plus-7. Double-digit boards in heavy minutes was the norm.
04The player profileAdams is 6-11 and 279 pounds, a center who wears number 12 for Houston.
Adams is 6-11 and 279 pounds, a center who wears number 12 for Houston. He is 33 and entering his 13th season. He played college ball at Pittsburgh. His game has not changed. He does not stretch the floor, with a 0.0 three-point percentage last season, and his free throw shooting at 58.0 percent is a weak spot late in games. What he brings is size, rebounding, and physical play on the interior. The 1.5 assists per game last season show he can pass out of the post and hand off at the elbow. He turned the ball over 1.1 times a game. For a backup big, that is a clean, low-risk profile the Rockets can trust.
05The outlook for 2026-27The current season is 2026-27, and the Rockets' first regular-season game with Adams in the mix is on hold until the…
The current season is 2026-27, and the Rockets' first regular-season game with Adams in the mix is on hold until the calf clears. His minutes last season, 22.8 a game over 32 appearances, point to a rotation role rather than a starting one. The injury history has been a series of short day-to-day listings rather than anything lingering. If that pattern holds, he should be back on the floor soon. There are no rumors attached to him right now. He is a Rocket, and the only question this week is whether he suits up Wednesday against Dallas.
Adams5.8 ppg
Carlson5.8 ppg
OKC
NOP
MEM