32 articles
HOU • Guard • #5
14 days ago
Fred VanVleet (knee) suffered a torn ACL just before the start of training camp. While he has not officially been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season, a DPE can only be granted if the player will not play. Per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the exemption would be equivalent to 50 percent of the injured player’s annual salary. VanVleet is due to make $25 million this season. The exemption would give the Rockets more room to account for VanVleet’s absence, which would impact Reed Sheppard’s role if another guard is added to the roster.
Source: Kelly Iko
HOU • Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
With the offseason acquisition of Kevin Durant, there has been plenty of optimism surrounding the Houston Rockets. Their hopes of winning the loaded Western Conference took a significant hit with Monday’s news regarding VanVleet. While the veteran point guard shot just 37.8 percent from the field, the lowest mark for VanVleet since his rookie season, he remained a key figure for a team that finished with the second-best record in the West. Also, the low field goal percentage did not prevent VanVleet from offering close to top-50 value in fantasy basketball. His absence means Houston will need second-year guard Reed Sheppard to hit the ground running, with Aaron Holiday providing additional depth at the point. Sheppard is well worth the risk in standard leagues, while Holiday is someone to target in deeper formats. However, Amen Thompson’s fantasy value may receive the most significant boost, especially after he filled in well as Houston’s primary playmaker when VanVleet missed time last season.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Guard • #5
5 months ago
The Rockets will decline VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option for the upcoming season to put the new deal in place. He has a player option for the second season of this deal, so he could opt out again next summer. If he accepts the option, he’ll be under contract through the 2026-27 season. VanVleet is the best point guard option on a team that is looking to win a championship after trading for Kevin Durant, adding the lethal scorer to the team that finished as the No. 2 seed in the West this past season.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Guard • #5
5 months ago
The Rockets have until Sunday to make a decision on VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option. NBA Insider Marc Stein also reported there’s a “strong expectation” that the Rockets agree to a long-term deal with VanVleet before free agency officially opens up on June 30. VanVleet could be looking at a three-year offer, though it would be for less money annually than his team option. The Rockets will be looking to stay under the first apron of the salary cap this year, but VanVleet is certainly a player they want to keep in the wake of the Kevin Durant trade.
Source: Kelly Iko
HOU • Guard • #5
5 months ago
The Rockets have until Sunday to make a decision on VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option. NBA Insider Marc Stein also reported there’s a “strong expectation” that the Rockets agree to a long-term deal with VanVleet before free agency officially opens up on June 30. VanVleet could be looking at a three-year offer, though it would be for less money annually than his team option. The Rockets will be looking to stay under the first apron of the salary cap this year, but VanVleet is certainly a player they want to keep in the wake of the Kevin Durant trade.
Source: Kelly Iko
HOU • Guard • #5
6 months ago
While VanVleet did cool off after an excellent two-game run to help force a Game 7, he remained solid on Sunday. The veteran point guard finished a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line and was third in scoring behind Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun. VanVleet has a team option for next season, and both sides have expressed interest in continuing the partnership. The question is what the final price tag will be. Despite his poor field goal percentage, VanVleet can be incredibly valuable as a fantasy asset.
Source: Michael Scotto
HOU • Guard • #5
6 months ago
After scoring 17 points or less in the series’ first three games, VanVleet has kicked things up a notch at the right time. He’s scored 25 or more in three straight, shooting over 50 percent from the field in each outing. Due to VanVleet’s performance on Friday, the Rockets will host a Game 7 on Sunday. While he hasn’t been the most consistent shooter, VanVleet has a history of stepping up in big moments. With his team trailing three games to one, the veteran point guard made good on that reputation in Games 5 and 6.
HOU • Guard • #5
6 months ago
After scoring 25 points with eight triples on Monday, VanVleet picked up right where he left off and scored 14 points in the first quarter on Wednesday. He didn’t end up contributing much else over the final three quarters, but the damage had already been done. VanVleet led all scorers in this game to help Houston keep its season alive. He’ll need to carry this hot shooting to Golden State on Friday for Game 6.
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
VanVleet has struggled to find his shot in this series, but that wasn’t the case on Monday. He scored 24 of his 25 shots from beyond the arc, and he only took one shot inside the three-point line, which was a miss. He had a chance to force overtime, but his drifting triple fell short. VanVleet will look to stay hot as the series shifts back to Houston for Game 5 on Wednesday. If he’s hitting shots like he did in this game, they will have a chance to keep their season alive.
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
VanVleet led the Rockets in scoring on Saturday. However, as was the case on many occasions during the regular season, the field goal percentage left something to be desired. A 37.8 percent shooter during the regular season, VanVleet is 11-of-40 in this series. Simply put, that is not good enough if the Rockets are to knock off Golden State. Houston will look to even the series with a win in Game 4 on Monday night.
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
Sunday’s series opener was brutal for the Rockets’ starting guards. VanVleet and Jalen Green (7/8/2 in 31 minutes) combined to shoot 7-of-34 from the field overall and 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. Neither was an efficient shooter during the regular season, with VanVleet making 37.8 percent of his attempts and Green slightly better at 42.3 percent. That said, neither reached those levels in Game 1, which was a significant reason why Houston lost. VanVleet and Green will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
The Rockets will use their preferred starting lineup despite already holding the second seed in the West. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said during his pregame availability that the starters will take on their usual workloads, which is excellent news for fantasy managers in active leagues who have any of them rostered.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
Despite already securing the two-seed in the West, the Rockets have made their key players available for Sunday’s regular-season finale. How much VanVleet and Brooks will play remains to be seen. However, the lack of stakes for Houston should ensure Reed Sheppard of rotation minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
FVV will be back after missing Wednesday’s game against Utah. Tari Eason started in his place, but with Dillon Brooks set to serve a one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul, Eason should remain in the starting lineup even with FVV back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
VanVleet has been downgraded from questionable to out due to soreness in his right ankle. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said this may be an issue the point guard has to manage for the rest of the season. With VanVleet out, Tari Eason could potentially move into the starting lineup, with Aaron Holiday entering the rotation.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • Guard • #5
7 months ago
VanVleet is dealing with soreness in his right ankle, which he initially injured in early February. With the Rockets facing a Jazz squad that will be without most of its key contributors, Wednesday’s game could be viewed as an opportunity to get VanVleet an extra night off. If he does not play, Tari Eason could move into the starting lineup, with Aaron Holiday potentially entering the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
After shooting 1-of-10 from the field in Friday’s win over the Jazz, VanVleet needed to get back on track. That happened on Sunday, as he and the Rockets steamrolled the Suns in the second game of their road trip. In addition to shooting over 50 percent from the field, VanVleet’s seven assists were the most he’s recorded in a game since March 15. Over the past two weeks, he has provided seventh-round value in eight-cat formats. VanVleet and the Rockets play four games during Week 22, starting with the Lakers on Monday.
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
Earlier this week, VanVleet struggled badly with his shot against the 76ers. The 31-year-old point guard scored three points on 1-of-6 shooting in 38 minutes of a game that went to overtime. Two games later, VanVleet dropped 37 points on the Heat to hand them their 10th straight loss. It was the most points he’s had in a game since December 1 against the Thunder, when he had 38 points. Houston finishes the week with a matchup Sunday against the Nuggets.
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
Though it was a rough shooting night for VanVleet, he was able to somewhat make up for it with production in other categories. His night came to an end a bit early after he was whistled for a Flagrant 2 foul late in the fourth quarter. Houston was able to complete the comeback and get the win, but it was without VanVleet on the floor. Shooting percentage has never been a strong category for him, but he shouldn’t have many more duds like this one moving forward.
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet’s field goal percentage wasn’t the best, but the overall stat line was good for the Rockets point guard. He has been a 10th-round player over the past week, a few rounds worse than his season-long value. However, fantasy managers should not be too concerned, especially in the aftermath of Saturday’s performance. Also working in VanVleet’s favor is Houston playing four games during Week 20 without a back-to-back.
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet has only played once since injuring his ankle on February 1, and he aggravated that injury in that lone appearance. He practiced fully on Tuesday and should make his return to the lineup. Either Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason will be pushed to the bench with FVV back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet has missed five straight, but he’s got a chance to return for Wednesday’s tilt with Phoenix. If FVV is out again, expect Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. to be more involved, with Jalen Green handling more responsibility as a facilitator.
Source: Daniel Lerner on Twitter
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet will miss another game, leaving the Rockets without two starters. With Amen Thompson (ankle) also out, Houston will start Jalen Green as the team’s point guard. Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. will also be in the starting lineup. Eason should be rostered in most standard leagues, while Green and Smith are already off the board in most formats.
Source: Jackson Gatlin
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet has missed Houston’s last four games since aggravating a strained right ankle that sidelined him for a month. With Amen Thompson (ankle) already out, VanVleet can fill that void if allowed to play. If he doesn’t play, the Rockets may be forced to call on Aaron Holiday to serve as the starting point guard.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
Saturday’s game will be VanVleet’s fourth straight missed game since aggravating a right ankle strain that sidelined him for one month. Amen Thompson will continue to run the point while Tari Eason will fill the void in the starting lineup left by VanVleet.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet is set to miss his third-straight game since he re-aggravated his ankle injury last Saturday against the Kings. It’s unclear when he might return to the court again. Amen Thompson will continue to start in his absence.
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet returned from a right ankle strain that kept him out since February 1 on Saturday only to re-aggravate the injury in the loss to the Kings. It’s unclear when he might return to the court for the Rockets. Amen Thompson missed Monday’s game with a shoulder injury, but will start for the Rockets Tuesday.
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet aggravated his right ankle strain during Saturday’s loss to the Kings in his first appearance since February 1. Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason will be the replacement in the starting lineup, with the latter listed as questionable due to lower left leg injury management.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
After missing a month of games with an ankle injury, VanVleet was back in the lineup against Sacramento. Despite not being on a minutes restriction, VanVleet wasn’t able to provide many points. The rebound, assist and steal numbers were solid, but VanVleet only made one shot in his first game since February 1. VanVleet had been struggling prior to his absence, but he should get back to providing fifth round value in nine-cat leagues, as he has all season. VanVleet noted after the game that he stepped on the foot of an official on the first play of the game, re-injuring his ankle. He played through it for the rest of the game, but it may have limited his production. It’s unclear if he’ll suit up for Houston’s back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday.
Source: Kelly Iko
HOU • Guard • #5
8 months ago
VanVleet will start immediately in his return to the lineup after missing a month with an ankle injury. That will push Jabari Smith Jr. to the bench, and it appears that fantasy managers finally have their answer to Houston’s starting lineup. Smith Jr. won’t push Amen Thompson back to the bench, though there should still be plenty of minutes for him.
Source: Houston Rockets