Fred VanVleet is poised to make his second comeback this month.
The Rockets point guard is listed as probable to play against the Suns on Wednesday, according to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter links). He fully participated in what coach Ime Udoka described as a light practice on Tuesday.
VanVleeet has missed 16 of the last 17 games due to a right ankle strain. He sat out 11 consecutive games, then played against Sacramento on March 1. VanVleet was limited to three points on 1-of-8 shooting in 35 minutes but also had five rebounds, five assists and three steals in that contest. However, he reinjured the ankle that game when he stepped on a referee’s foot and has since been inactive for five additional games.
VanVleet is averaging 14.4 points and 5.8 assists in 46 starts this season. His expected return comes at an opportune time. The team’s other primary play-maker, Amen Thompson, is expected to be out for at least 10-to-14 days due to a left ankle sprain.
VanVleet’s status with the Rockets will be one of the big storylines this offseason. The team holds a $44,886,930 option on his contract for next season. His effectiveness the remainder of the regular season and during the postseason could go a long way in determining whether that option will be exercised. Turning it down to re-sign VanVleet to a multiyear deal would be among the potential routes available to Houston.