The Houston Rockets were already shorthanded on bigs heading into tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers. But just seconds ago, the home team faced yet another setback with Steven Adams.

Why did Steven Adams leave the game? What injury did he suffer?

Steven Adams exited the game during the third quarter. He headed straight to the locker room. There was no clear moment of contact or discomfort, but with Alperen Sengun already out, this was a big loss. It was soon reported that he wouldn’t return and was ruled out of the game due to a right ankle sprain.

Adams has already dealt with ankle issues this season, missing four of five games because of it.

How did Steven Adams perform before leaving?

During his time on the hardwood, Adams was solid, logging eight points, five rebounds, and a block in 22 minutes before he left the game. Despite having the lowest points of any starter, he was a team-high +17 in plus/minus, with his rebounding proving particularly effective.

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This season, he’s averaging 5.9 points with 8.6 rebounds (4.4 offensive), on a career-low 48.1% from the field.

How did the Houston Rockets adjust without Adams?

Without Steven Adams, the Rockets relied on Clint Capela for size when needed, but decided to adopt an alternative strategy.

The team went heavy on a backcourt of Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, and a frontcourt of Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Kevin Durant. This lineup completely supercharged their offense after Adams went out.

Durant set the tone early today, pouring in 13 first-quarter points, answering every Pacers run to help the Rockets survive a hot start from the visitors’ bench shooters. The veteran’s shots steadied his team, giving them a slim advantage heading into the second quarter.

The doors blew open in the second. After the Pacers crept to within one, the Rockets ripped off a 26-7 run that defined the night, with Thompson and Smith attacking the rim and the glass, Sheppard and Eason adding energy in their minutes. An efficient night from the floor ballooned into a commanding halftime lead. Their ability to score exposed the Pacers’ defense, which couldn’t keep up with rotations once the ball started moving.

The Pacers tried for one last push in the third, hoping to capitalize on the Rockets’ turnovers to trim the lead, but they were stalled. The hosts responded with a burst to close the quarter, establishing full control and draining any tension in the building. Even without Sengun, who was ruled out at the last minute, and Adams leaving due to injury, the Rockets’ depth proved to be too much, sending the Pacers to their ninth loss in a row.

Up next, the Rockets will face the Brooklyn Nets and the Dallas Mavericks in the New Year on a short road trip before returning home to face the Phoenix Suns.