Fred VanVleet moved from out to day-to-day on Sunday's injury report with a right knee issue. The Rockets face the Hawks on Monday, and his status for that game is not announced.
What happened
Fred VanVleet moved from out to day-to-day on the injury report Sunday at 9:48 a.m. ET. The listed issue is a right knee and leg problem. On Saturday he was first listed day-to-day for rest, then ruled out with the knee. The report's comment says VanVleet (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks. The report lists an expected return of Oct. 26. The Rockets have not announced whether he will play Monday. He is 32.
What it means for the Rockets
Houston plays the Hawks on Monday at 8:30 PM ET. The Rockets are 3-0, in first place, with a three-game winning streak. VanVleet has played two games this season and averages 10.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 30.5 minutes. In the game he missed, Kevin Durant played 37.0 minutes, Amen Thompson 36.2, Jabari Smith Jr. 34.6 and Alperen Sengun 32.8. Marcus Smart played 23.9 minutes, Reed Sheppard 23.1, Tari Eason 20.1 and Bogdan Bogdanovic 14.1. Houston is 2-0 with him and 1-0 without him. Smart is also day-to-day with a left forearm issue.
What to watch
The time of the next injury report is not announced. The report lists an expected return of Oct. 26, the day of the Hawks game, but his day-to-day status leaves Monday open. Watch the final report before the 8:30 PM ET tip. Smart and Steven Adams are both day-to-day as well, Adams with a left ankle issue. That could change who covers the guard minutes against Atlanta.
Is Fred VanVleet playing vs the Hawks on Monday?
Not announced. He is day-to-day with a right knee issue, and the injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 26, the date of the game.
When will Fred VanVleet be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 26. The Rockets have not announced anything beyond his day-to-day status.