“King” Out + Sengun Ankle Injury: Rockets in Urgent Need of a Center, Udoka Criticizes Screening

On January 29, Rockets center Steven Adams underwent left ankle surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Udoka noted that even if conservative treatment allowed a short-term return, surgery would ultimately be required, sidelining Adams for both the remainder of this season and potentially next.

Before facing the Spurs, Udoka stated Capela would get more minutes, and small-ball lineups would temporarily cover Adams’ absence. The team is actively exploring adding a center before the trade deadline. Udoka also revealed that multiple teams have proactively contacted Houston, showing strong interest in several players, exceeding expectations.

Sengun suffered an ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against the Spurs. Despite finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals, he went 0/5 with 3 fouls in the final period, had to leave the court for treatment, and returned injured. Sengun previously missed 4 games after an ankle sprain on January 4; with his injury recurring, the Rockets’ center situation is critical.

Postgame, Udoka criticized big man screens: “Our offense can’t stagnate. Bigs need to handle the ball, move, and set screens. Sengun can screen for smaller players, small players can screen for KD. Right now, the quality of screening is not where it should be.”