After helping the Houston Rockets end a four-year postseason drought last year, veteran guard Fred VanVleet was poised for a deep playoff run, especially after the team added future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. While the Rockets continue to thrive this season, they’ve done so without VanVleet, who hasn’t appeared in a single game. So what exactly happened to the veteran point guard, and when can fans expect him back on the court? Let’s take a closer look.
Fred VanVleet Injury Raises Questions About His Return This Season
VanVleet, who averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game for the Rockets last season, suffered a torn ACL during an offseason workout in September. He immediately underwent surgery and has yet to set a return date.
ACL recoveries typically span nine to 12 months, making a comeback before the postseason initially seem unlikely. However, neither VanVleet nor the Rockets have ruled out a late-season or playoff return.
The clearest update came recently on the “Game Over” podcast, where VanVleet spoke with Rich Paul about his rehabilitation and mindset. Instead of providing a firm timeline, VanVleet focused on his physical progress and optimism:
“I feel great,” he said. “I am actually in the middle of rehab right now… I am feeling strong… We’ll see where we are at by the end of the year.”
While VanVleet stopped short of guaranteeing a return, his comments suggest that a comeback before the season’s end remains a realistic goal rather than a long shot. If he were to return during the 2026 postseason in April, it would place his recovery at roughly seven months post-surgery, a notably fast turnaround for an ACL injury.
The Rockets currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 17–10 record, positioning themselves firmly for a playoff spot. Strong performances from Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Reed Sheppard have stabilized the team, but Houston has struggled for consistency at the point guard position.
A VanVleet return, even in limited minutes, would provide veteran playmaking, ease Durant’s offensive load, and stabilize late-game possessions. His ability to operate off the ball with Şengün while also orchestrating the offense would create matchup advantages and elevate the team’s postseason potential.
For now, the Rockets continue to thrive without VanVleet, aiming to secure a playoff spot while keeping the door open for his much-anticipated return. However, Houston has lost some momentum recently, dropping four of their last five games, and will now travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers in a Christmas matchup.
