Rockets Guard Fred VanVleet Gives Telling Injury Update

Fred VanVleet is continuing to make steady progress in his recovery from a torn ACL and the veteran guard says he isn’t completely ruling out the possibility of returning before the end of the season.

Speaking recently on the Unguarded podcast, the 32-year-old provided an update on his rehabilitation timeline roughly six months after suffering the injury during a workout in late September ahead of Houston Rockets training camp.

“I’m about five, five and a half months, almost six months now,” VanVleet said. “So, I’m getting there. I’m getting stronger. I’m getting better. I’m moving around a lot better. I’m getting some good on-court workouts.”

VanVleet tore his right ACL shortly before the start of the season, and the early expectation around the league was that he would miss the entire campaign. While that remains the most probable outcome based on historical recovery timelines for ACL injuries, neither VanVleet nor the Rockets have completely closed the door on a late-season return.

---

VanVleet Not Ruling Out Late-Season Comeback

VanVleet emphasized that his recovery timeline has continued to evolve as he progresses through rehabilitation.

“I think a lot of the predictions of where I was going to be were made pre-surgery, so we’ve had to adjust that timeline as things go on,” VanVleet said.

Still, the former All-Star made it clear he intends to keep the possibility of returning alive as long as his recovery continues trending in the right direction.

“But again, selfishly, I’m always going to keep my window open,” VanVleet said. “I’m not going to come on here and tell you, ‘Oh, I’m not coming back,’ and then I come back like, ‘Oh, surprise.’ But I’m not ruling it out, and I’m not saying I’m coming back. I’m just rehabbing, I’m working on myself, and I keep that goal in mind because I’ve made such good progress.”

Historically, NBA players recovering from ACL surgery typically return the following season, making the start of the 2026-27 campaign the most likely timeline for VanVleet’s full return. However, if his progress continues ahead of schedule, a late-season comeback — or even a potential playoff appearance — cannot be entirely dismissed.

---

Rockets Extension Provides Financial Security

VanVleet’s contract situation also gives him flexibility as he focuses on recovery.

Houston signed him to a two-year, $50 million contract extension in June 2025, keeping him under contract through the 2026-27 season. The deal includes a $25 million player option that could serve as financial insurance while he works his way back from the injury.

The extension came after the Rockets declined his previous $44.8 million option for the 2025-26 season and restructured his deal.

---

Rockets Staying Competitive Without VanVleet

Even without VanVleet — and while also dealing with the absence of Alperen Sengun in recent games — Houston has managed to stay firmly in the Western Conference playoff race.

The Rockets improved to 41-25 after edging the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on Friday night.

Kevin Durant led the way with 32 points, six rebounds and five assists, sealing the victory with a jumper with seven seconds remaining followed by two clutch free throws.

Houston’s young backcourt has also stepped up in VanVleet’s absence.

Amen Thompson nearly recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while rookie guard Reed Sheppard added 18 points on five three-pointers.

Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 16 points as Houston placed four players in double figures.

Meanwhile, New Orleans was led by Dejounte Murray with 35 points and Zion Williamson with 21, but costly turnovers in the final seconds sealed the Pelicans’ fate.

---

Western Conference Race Tightens

The victory kept Houston in third place in a tightly packed Western Conference race. Just half a game separates the third through sixth seeds, while only 2.5 games separate the third and seventh spots.

The Rockets are currently on pace for approximately 51 wins — just one fewer than last season.

Houston will now face a critical stretch with back-to-back home games against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday and Wednesday.

Whether VanVleet ultimately returns this season remains uncertain.

But as his recovery continues to progress, the Rockets’ veteran floor general is making one thing clear — he’s keeping that possibility alive.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo