Overview
- NBA insider Marc Stein reports Houston is not completely ruling out a VanVleet return this season, noting he recently traveled with the team and is pushing through rehab.
- VanVleet said on his podcast that a comeback this season is possible, while stressing it is not guaranteed.
- Typical ACL recoveries take 8–12 months, which makes a regular-season appearance unlikely and places any potential return late in the calendar.
- The Rockets are 21–11 with the league’s third-most efficient offense without VanVleet, yet they rank near the bottom in turnover rate without his veteran steadiness.
- Center Alperen Şengün sustained a right lateral ankle sprain over the weekend, adding short-term lineup uncertainty as Houston weighs trade-deadline options that could change if VanVleet plays.