In a blow to the Houston Rockets, guard Fred VanVleet will be sidelined for their upcoming matchup against the Utah Jazz due to knee and ankle soreness. The seasoned 31-year-old faced a tough battle during the team's recent back-to-back games against the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing resilience on the court despite his physical discomfort. VanVleet's absence presents a challenge for the Rockets as they navigate through a critical point in the season, with coach Ime Udoka acknowledging the need to address and manage his ongoing injury concerns.
VanVleet's contributions to the Rockets this season have been significant, averaging 14.3 points and 5.6 assists over 57 games. Despite his impressive stats, the guard has faced setbacks, missing a total of 16 games earlier in the year due to a right ankle strain. Udoka expressed the team's commitment to supporting VanVleet as he continues to grapple with his injury, emphasizing the need for patience and strategic planning moving forward. With VanVleet's determination and the Rockets' support, fans eagerly await his return to full strength on the court.