- Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has missed 15 of the past 16 games due to right ankle issues, but coach Ime Udoka expects him back soon, according to Sam Warren of The Houston Chronicle. Udoka told reporters that VanVleet should be able to return on Monday against Orlando or Wednesday against Phoenix. He sat out 11 games with an ankle strain, then aggravated it when he stepped on an official’s foot in his first game back. Udoka said VanVleet has been “getting some good work in,” and his return date will depend on his pain tolerance.