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.