Fred VanVleet's return to the Houston Rockets creates renewed excitement as the playoff race heats up. After dealing with a significant ankle injury that sidelined him for 11 games, VanVleet's leadership and on-court prowess are crucial. His partnership with Amen Thompson has shown promise, enhancing the team's dynamic. Coach Ime Udoka emphasized that with VanVleet back, the Rockets are poised to improve their playoff positioning, especially after a struggling stretch without him.

Despite a 5-6 record during his absence, VanVleet believes the team has learned valuable lessons, boosting their resilience. As the Rockets gear up for the final stretch of the season, the combination of VanVleet's competitive spirit and the developing chemistry with Thompson could be the key to a successful playoff push.

The Houston Rockets have surged back into contention since the All-Star break, winning three of their last four games, including a significant 118-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This win has propelled them back into the top four of the Western Conference standings, overtaking the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a rough start to February with a 2-6 record, the Rockets showed resilience, finishing the month with a slightly improved 5-7 record.

A key factor in this turnaround is the return of power forward Jabari Smith Jr., who has been impactful since coming back from a fractured hand. Averaging 10 points and 7.3 rebounds over the past four games, his presence has bolstered the team's defensive and rebounding stats, with the Rockets now ranking 8th in defensive rating and 7th in rebounding percentage. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson has filled in admirably during Smith's absence, posting near-All-Star numbers. However, Smith's height advantage has proven crucial against opponents exploiting Houston's paint defense.

Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets is making his mark in the NBA, showcasing his growing playmaking abilities during Fred VanVleet's absence due to injury. Thompson's ball-handling responsibilities have increased significantly, allowing him to excel as the de facto distributor for the Rockets. He posted an impressive third career triple-double recently, reflecting his improved playmaking skills. While VanVleet is set to return soon, the question remains whether Thompson will retain his role as a starter, given his stellar performance in recent games.

Thompson's assist percentage has soared to 25.2% without VanVleet, significantly higher than his previous 12.8% when both were healthy. This increase indicates his adaptability and potential as a secondary creator in the Rockets’ offense. Coach Ime Udoka acknowledges Thompson's growth, suggesting that his experience will only enhance the team's dynamics upon VanVleet's return. As the Rockets aim to solidify their lineup with returning players, Thompson's recent contributions could secure him a permanent role in the starting five.

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare to face off against the Houston Rockets, both teams come into this Western Conference matchup under different circumstances. The Rockets recently secured a narrow victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighting their competitive edge as they fight for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Spurs are struggling, having lost to the New Orleans Pelicans and now face the daunting challenge of playing without star Victor Wembanyama for the rest of the season due to serious health issues.

With Houston favored by 9.5 points, fans will be watching closely how key players like Fred VanVleet, who is day-to-day with an ankle injury, and the Rockets’ emerging talent Amen Thompson, will impact the game. For San Antonio, De'Aaron Fox is expected to step up as a primary offensive threat, supported by Keldon Johnson off the bench. This matchup marks the final meeting between the two teams this season, adding extra significance to the contest.

The Houston Rockets secured a narrow 100-97 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing a strong performance from Jalen Green, who led the team with 25 points. Early in the game, Alperen Sengun established himself with a swift six points, aiding Houston to a 16-12 lead. However, the Bucks rallied back, ending the first half with a two-point advantage after a 23-11 run.

In a fiercely contested second half, both teams exchanged leads, with the score tied at 85 after three quarters. The game's intensity peaked in the fourth quarter, where the Rockets surged ahead, but a critical flagrant foul by Amen Thompson on Giannis Antetokounmpo led to his ejection. In the final moments, Sengun's clutch free throws sealed the game for the Rockets, who will face the Spurs next.