Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet is considered doubtful to play again this season as he continues rehabilitating from the torn ACL he suffered in September, head coach Ime Udoka told reporters. Udoka said the 30-year-old veteran has progressed to “on-court shooting, cutting, moving, non-contact,” but has yet to be cleared for full contact, making a late-season return improbable.
VanVleet, whose contract carries a $25 million player option for the 2026/27 campaign, recently voiced optimism about getting back on the floor before the playoffs. General manager Rafael Stone affirmed the organization’s commitment to the guard, calling him “literally the toughest NBA player I’ve ever met” and stating that if VanVleet is able to play, “he’ll play.”
Entering Wednesday’s games, Houston sits sixth in the Western Conference, one game behind the fourth-place Denver Nuggets.
Mavericks updates
Brandon Williams, sidelined the past three contests with a concussion, participated in the Dallas Mavericks’ Wednesday morning shootaround and was upgraded to questionable for that night’s matchup. Dallas Morning News reporter Brad Townsend noted on social media that the status change could signal Williams is close to clearing the league’s concussion protocol.
Rookie guard Ryan Nembhard discussed his development during his first NBA season, emphasizing an effort to increase catch-and-shoot three-point attempts to help space the floor. Nembhard described the length of the NBA schedule as unlike anything he had previously experienced but said the All-Star break allowed him to regain his form.
Spurs lean on McLaughlin
Veteran point guard Jordan McLaughlin has provided steady minutes for the San Antonio Spurs, enabling the club to rest starters late in games without sacrificing position in the standings, head coach Mitch Johnson said. Johnson credited McLaughlin’s “really mature, professional basketball” for a recent close win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Johnson added that San Antonio specifically pursued McLaughlin in last season’s trade talks with the Sacramento Kings involving De’Aaron Fox. After prior stints in Minnesota and Sacramento, McLaughlin re-signed with the Spurs as a free agent this year.
Source: Hoops Rumors
