Fred

VanVleet

VanVleet was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Heat, though he wasn’t involved in the altercation between Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro. The 30-year-old point guard was tossed after bumping an official while he argued a five-second call. The league decided a fine was enough punishment so fantasy managers don’t have to worry about him missing any games.

VanVleet had a tough night shooting the basketball, and the ending was brutal for the Rockets point guard. He was ejected with 47.4 seconds remaining after bumping into official Marc Davis while arguing a five-second call. While the bump didn’t appear malicious, it was enough to earn VanVleet an early trip to the locker room. The shooting woes persist for the Rockets point guard, and now there’s concern that the ejection could result in a suspension. And with Amen Thompson being tossed seconds later for fighting, Aaron Holiday could find himself in the rotation for Wednesday’s game against Dallas.

Though VanVleet’s game-winning 3-point attempt rimmed out, he was still able to turn in a decent line. This was his fifth game with at least five threes this season, and he was also able to contribute plenty of boards and dimes. VanVleet has had a few poor performances in recent weeks, so his last few games have been encouraging. He has averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 5.0 threes over their last three games, and he’ll look to keep it up against Miami on Sunday to close out the week.

While VanVleet has shot the ball poorly this season, he’s done well in Houston’s first two games of Week 9. He’s shot 16-of-31 from the field in wins over Charlotte and New Orleans, hitting 10 3-pointers. VanVleet’s fantasy value has taken a hit this season due to the poor shooting, but the production in other categories has ensured that fantasy teams haven’t been sunk entirely.

VanVleet has struggled mightily with his shooting this season, so a night like Monday was essential. The Rockets point guard shot 50% from the field in a game for the first time since December 1, and he’s shot 30.5% from the field over the past three weeks. VanVleet has done enough in other categories to avoid completely sinking his fantasy value, but managers had to be thrilled with his slump-busting performance in Charlotte.

Will there come a point when Thompson moves into the starting lineup? Probably not anytime soon, but nights like Saturday will keep the chatter going. While Thompson was excellent in 30 minutes off the bench, starting guards Fred VanVleet (8/9/7/1 with one 3-pointer) and Jalen Green (12/3/2/0/1 with one 3-pointer) combined to shoot 8-of-29 from the field and 2-of-19 from three. Even as a reserve, Thompson should be rostered in most fantasy leagues. However, it’s fair to wonder if his ceiling is being limited through no fault of his own.

VanVleet struggled in his first game back after missing Sunday’s game with a right knee contusion. He had just eight points on 13 shots and turned the ball over four times. VanVleet was -5 in 36 minutes as the Rockets beat the Warriors by one. His shooting continues to be a problem for his fantasy managers this year.

VanVleet, who did not play in Sunday’s win over the Clippers, told reporters Tuesday afternoon that he expected to play against the Warriors. The Rockets point guard is not on the injury report for Wednesday, so he’ll be available. Amen Thompson will return to the bench, which slightly lowers his fantasy value.

VanVleet hasn’t been cleared but expects to return from a one-game absence to face the Warriors in an NBA Cup elimination game on Wednesday. He’s averaging just 12. points on 25% shooting against the Dubs through two meetings this season.

While VanVleet has dealt with a bad knee for a few games, this is the first time he’s going to sit out. Amen Thompson will likely step into the starting lineup in VanVleet’s stead Sunday.