Fred

VanVleet

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

VanVleet and Brooks are set to miss their second straight meetings with the Clippers. Reed Sheppard and Jeff Green will likely be among the players called upon to notch spot starts against Los Angeles ahead of the weekend.

VanVleet and Sengun will not play on Wednesday, as the Rockets have clinched the two-seed in the West. Aaron Holiday and Reed Sheppard may see their minutes increase due to VanVleet’s absence, while Steven Adams and Jock Landale will pick up the slack for Sengun.

VanVleet has been able to play in Houston’s last two games, but he is expected to be sidelined against the Clippers. They have nearly locked up the No. 2 seed in the West and likely want to make sure he is healthy for their matchup with the Lakers on Friday, since they are the Rockets’ only competition for the No. 2 seed. Tari Eason should start in place of FVV.