Fred VanVleet moved from out to day-to-day with a right knee issue on the injury report early Sunday. His expected return is Monday, when the Rockets host the Celtics.
What happened
The injury report listed Fred VanVleet as day-to-day at 1:17 a.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 1, with a right knee issue. He had been listed as out on Saturday, Oct. 31. The report's comment says VanVleet (knee) won't play Saturday against the Thunder, so he missed that game. The report gives Nov. 2 as his expected return. This is the second time the knee has kept him out in about a week. He was ruled out with it on Oct. 24, moved to day-to-day on Oct. 25 and was cleared the same day.
What it means for the Rockets
Houston hosts the Celtics on Monday, Nov. 2, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Rockets are 6-1, second in the conference, and coming off a win. In five games, VanVleet is averaging 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 30.4 minutes. Houston is 4-1 with him and 2-0 without him. In games without him, Jabari Smith Jr. has played 34.3 minutes, Amen Thompson 33.9 and Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun 33.7 each. Marcus Smart (25.3 minutes, 11.8 points) and Reed Sheppard (23.4 minutes, 10.5 points) have handled much of the guard work. Sheppard is also day-to-day, with a back issue.
What to watch
The next injury report before Monday's game will show whether VanVleet is cleared. The report lists Nov. 2 as his expected return, which is the day of the Celtics game. Sheppard's back is the other guard question, and center Steven Adams is out with a right calf issue. If VanVleet plays, watch how his minutes compare with his 30.4 average after he missed time with the same knee twice in eight days.
Is Fred VanVleet playing vs Celtics on Monday?
He is day-to-day with a right knee issue. The injury report lists Nov. 2, the day of the Celtics game, as his expected return. A final decision has not been announced.
When will Fred VanVleet be back?
The injury report lists Monday, Nov. 2, as his expected return. He missed Saturday's game against the Thunder.