Durant-Led Rockets Hurt by VanVleet ACL

The Houston Rockets became immediate contenders after acquiring Kevin Durant and adding veterans Clint Capela and Dorian Finney‑Smith, but their title hopes were set back when starting point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL and is expected to miss the 2025–26 season. VanVleet’s injury creates a glaring point‑guard void that will push more ball‑handling responsibility onto Amen Thompson and increase pressure on Durant, Alperen Şengün and the young core. Analysts are split: some (e.g., Tim Legler) contend the Rockets can survive using depth such as Finney‑Smith, Aaron Holiday and Reed Sheppard, while others urge Houston to pursue a veteran guard like Jrue Holiday. That path is complicated by salary constraints — roughly $1.2 million under the first apron — and limits on trading recently signed players, leading commentators including Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons to temper expectations. Still, some observers warn that Durant paired with Şengün and the Rockets’ mix of youth and veterans can remain a serious Western Conference threat despite the setback.