Fred VanVleet Eyes Late Season Return for Rockets

Merlin sees a hopeful turn in Houston. What once looked like a season-ending knee injury for Fred VanVleet is not being "completely ruled" out, and "Word is VanVleet is working as hard as possible in his rehab to at least put a late-season return on the table." For a 21-11 Rockets club chasing wins, even the possibility of his return changes the equation. Merlin notes VanVleet brings All Star pedigree and 59 playoff games of savvy to a backcourt that has leaned on Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday and even Kevin Durant to handle the ball. A late return would be a free veteran infusion and could make Houston less urgent at the trade deadline, though uncertainty remains like fog over a distant shore.