Steven Adams injury throws wrench in trade deadline plans for Rockets

Clint Capela , it's your time to shine.

Houston 's depth was already being tested after Fred VanVleet 's injury before the season. After news broke that Steven Adams will be out for the season due to his ankle injury, the Rockets will now have another crucial piece of their rotation out long-term.

With Adams out, Houston will have to turn to backup big man Clint Capela, who has played sparingly when Adams was in the lineup. The Rockets could have used Capela's contract in trade talks ahead of the upcoming deadline, but now Houston will need to hold onto him as the primary backup for All-Star Alperen Sengun .

Capela is sticking around

It's no secret that Capela has struggled this season, far removed from the player who used to be a walking double-double for the Rockets. Through 38 games, he's averaging 3.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, both the lowest since his rookie season in Houston when he only suited up in 12 games.

He's looked a step slow on defense, and at 31 years old, his athleticism is no longer what it used to be. That being said, he's the best option that the Rockets have. Houston doesn't have the luxury of signing a free agent to replace some of Adams' production with its cap situation, and its limited financial flexibility also makes it difficult to upgrade through a trade.

With that in mind, it's unlikely that the Rockets trade Capela before the deadline. Before the injury to Adams, Houston could have used his salary as filler in a move for another guard, but now they'll have to make it happen without Capela's contract if they do make a trade at the deadline. Depending on how Capela looks, the Rockets could even be forced to add a big man instead of a guard.

Despite his limitations this season, Capela has still had his moments, which the Rockets will hope to see more of in an extended role. The injury to Adams doesn't immediately end Houston's title hopes, but it is a major blow, and it lowers their ceiling as a contender. It also hinders any plans the Rockets had to trade Capela at the deadline, putting more pressure on Houston's current roster to perform.

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets look to pivot trade deadline needs after Adams injury