Fred

VanVleet

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.

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.

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.

VanVleet is back after an aggravation of his strained right ankle, which cost him five more games. While he may return to the starting lineup, as on March 1, the Rockets could take a more measured approach to VanVleet’s playing time. Jabari Smith Jr. will head to the bench, but he will retain most of his fantasy value with Amen Thompson (ankle) still out.

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.

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.

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.

Injured during Saturday’s win over the Pelicans, Thompson will miss multiple games with a sprained ankle. The severity of the injury remains unknown, but the Rockets will be without their second-year guard for Week 19 (Yahoo! leagues) at a minimum. Fred VanVleet (ankle) is questionable for Monday’s game against the Magic and would help fill the void if cleared to play. However, if he’s unable to return, the Rockets will need to rely more on Aaron Holiday.

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.

While the results of Thompson’s MRI on his left ankle are unknown, what is known is that he will not play on Monday. With Fred VanVleet (ankle) questionable, he can slide into the spot left vacant by Thompson if allowed to play. However, if VanVleet is also out, Aaron Holiday would be in line for more minutes, potentially as a starter.