Houston Rockets centre Steven Adams will miss the rest of the NBA season after surgery on his left ankle, the team said.

The 32-year-old New Zealander, who was drafted 12th overall in 2013 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, was injured in a January 18 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, coming down awkwardly after rising to guard Zion Williamson at the basket.

“Adams is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season,” the Rockets said in a statement.

Adams was enjoying a resurgent season after recovering from a knee injury that hindered him over the three prior campaigns.

He averaged 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in 32 games this season, helping the Rockets establish themselves as the league’s top-rebounding team with 49 per game.

The Rockets will now turn to Clint Capela to back up star centre Alperen Sengun.

The Rockets had already lost guard Fred VanVleet to a torn knee ligament in September.

They went into their game against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday with a 28-16 record, fourth in the Western Conference but just two games behind the second-placed Spurs.

-Agence-France Presse