The Houston Rockets could soon have Steven Adams back in the lineup. The veteran center is listed as probable for Sunday's road game against the Washington Wizards, putting him in line to return after missing the previous 11 games.
According to the NBA's official injury report, Adams is dealing with a right soleus strain and that he is expected to return against Washington, with his last appearance coming on Oct. 23. His potential availability would give Houston another option in the middle as it navigates several absences.
The Rockets have ruled out Clint Capela because of a right ankle sprain. Fred VanVleet remains sidelined for right knee injury management, while Marcus Smart will miss the game because of a league suspension. Two-way players Quadir Copeland and Julian Phillips are also out.
Washington has several players on its injury list. Reece Beekman is out with a right AC joint injury, and Justin Champagnie remains unavailable following right foot surgery. Tristan Vukcevic is sidelined by a left hip impingement, while Jamir Watkins remains out after left ACL surgery.
Article Continues BelowThe Wizards have three players listed as questionable: Bub Carrington with a chest contusion, Tre Johnson because of low back soreness, and Alex Sarr due to an illness. Two-way player Felix Okpara is also questionable.
Steven Adams' probable status is the biggest development for Houston heading into Sunday's matchup. If cleared, he could help ease the Rockets' frontcourt burden despite Capela's absence. Washington, meanwhile, could also be shorthanded depending on the availability of its questionable players.