Could Fred VanVleet’s ACL Injury Spell Disaster for Houston’s Championship Hopes?

When the Houston Rockets suffer a crushing blow like Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury, it shakes the very foundation of their championship dreams. I’ve been around the block enough times to know that losing a key piece isn’t just a setback — it questions the entire trajectory of the team. So, can rising stars Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard step up and fill the void VanVleet leaves behind? And what about the impact on Houston’s title ambitions with Kevin Durant anchoring the squad? Meanwhile, across town, fresh nuggets from Knicks Media Day offer an intriguing glimpse into Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns’ latest moves and mindsets. Dive into this layered analysis where stats meet pulse, and futures hang in the balance. LEARN MORE

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the Houston Rockets’ outlook after Fred VanVleet’s devastating ACL injury and reveal just how big a blow it is to Houston’s contender status. Can Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard fill that void or does losing VanVleet put the brakes on their title chase, even with KD on the team? Plus, Dan shares insights from Knicks Media Day with fresh details on Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns.

(2:35) The Big Number: Fred VanVleet’s injury

(15:37) Little Numbers: Amen Thompson Net Rating

(22:08) Little Numbers: Reed Sheppard 3PT shooting

(26:30) Little Numbers: Rockets $1,255,588 under first apron

(32:07) Little Numbers: Rockets future first round picks

(39:11) New York Knicks media day recap