Fred VanVleet, a key player for the Rockets, will again be absent for their upcoming game against Thunder. This marks the second consecutive game that the point guard is expected to miss due to health and safety protocols.
Earlier this week, VanVleet was flagged for these protocols, meaning his participation in matches is determined by a combination of testing and contact tracing results. Being absent from the game line-up impacts the Rockets’ performance, as VanVleet has been averaging 19.1 points per game this season.
The team hasn’t yet provided any updates on when VanVleet is likely to return. As per the NBA’s safety regulations, players are usually ruled out for at least a week if they test positive for the virus, or are deemed to have been in close contact with someone who has.
In VanVleet’s absence, other key players are expected to step up. This is the second match where the team would need to cover for their star player’s absence, pointing to a potential challenge for the Rockets’ strategy.
Being a critical component of the team, VanVleet’s absence impacts the Rockets’ match dynamics. As the team navigates this period, fans and analysts alike will be keeping an eye on how the Rockets adjust their game plan and whether they can maintain their competitive edge.
Last modified: March 4, 2025
