Fred VanVleet set for Rockets season opener against Mavericks after missing 2025-26

Point guard posted 15 assists to 1 turnover in preseason.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Fred VanVleet returns to regular-season action after missing the 2025-26 season. The undrafted guard won the 2019 NBA c Via @NBAPR on X

What happened: Fred VanVleet is slated to make his regular-season return for the Houston Rockets after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign with a torn ACL. Houston opens its 2026-27 schedule at home against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Why it matters: The undrafted guard brings a 2019 NBA championship and a 2022 All-Star selection back to the Rockets' starting backcourt. Houston has banked on VanVleet's return for a second season alongside Kevin Durant to anchor playmaking duties.

By the numbers: VanVleet recorded 15 assists against 1 turnover over a two-game preseason stretch, highlighted by a 17-point, 7-assist performance on Oct. 15.

What to watch: The Rockets host the Mavericks on Wednesday to tip off the 2026-27 regular season.

Sources

@NBAPR 2026-10-17T17:01:22.000363+00:00

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