Steven Adams
January 2026
The Rockets announced Adams will miss the rest of the season after left ankle surgery. He suffered the injury against New Orleans and was diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain; Houston lose a key rebounder and interior presence while already missing Fred VanVleet for the season.
Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
September 2025
Houston Rockets’ hopes took a huge hit as Fred VanVleet tore his ACL before the season, derailing their backcourt plans. The injury comes after acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade, leaving rookie Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson with major responsibilities. Reports suggest Houston won’t rush a replacement, instead testing Sheppard and Thompson’s playmaking while leaning on Sengun and Durant. With VanVleet sidelined for months, their offense may stutter, but internal belief remains that their roster depth can keep championship ambitions alive.
Houston Rockets
September 2025
Houston’s season took a hit after Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in offseason training, leaving the guard sidelined long term. Rookie Reed Sheppard is expected to step into the starting lineup as the Rockets recalibrate ambitions in a crowded Western Conference. Houston had looked like contenders after adding Kevin Durant and re-signing key pieces, but VanVleet’s absence weakens their backcourt stability. While Sengun, Thompson and Durant provide star power, Sheppard’s inexperience adds uncertainty to a team eyeing another deep playoff run.
Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
June 2025
Fred VanVleet will stay with Houston on a two-year, $50M deal with a 2026–27 player option. The Rockets declined his $44.9M team option to re-sign him under new terms that offer greater cap flexibility.
VanVleet’s playoff leadership and consistency in Houston’s resurgence were key to the deal. Both sides expect the partnership to continue beyond the two-year agreement as the Rockets build around Kevin Durant and coach Ime Udoka’s long-term vision.
Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
Friday, Game 6 of first-round series
Fred VanVleet’s 29-point night, including a pivotal four-point play to start the fourth, powered the Rockets past Golden State 115-107, evening the series 3-3. He’s hit 18 threes in his last three games.
VanVleet’s clutch shooting exploited Golden State’s defensive shift toward limiting Jalen Green, who was held to 12 points. Houston opened the final quarter on a 6-0 run and capitalized on Warriors’ poor shooting stretch to pull away late.