After pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets had vaulted themselves into potential contender status. Those hopes and notions took a major hit this week with the announcement that starting point guard Fred VanVleet suffered an ACL injury , in all likelihood ending his season prematurely. What is a positive for the Rockets is that VanVleet’s absence opens the door for a potential breakout season from players on the roster.

While VanVleet’s injury certainly puts a huge damper on the Rockets’ season, depending on what player steps up to pick up the slack and breakout, the team could still find themselves in the mix when it comes to competing in a tough Western Conference.

Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have starting spots locked down. Dor

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