NBA Notes: Rockets, Fred VanVleet, Clippers, Derrick Jones Jr, Clippers

Rockets

When Fred VanVleet tore his ACL during an unofficial preseason minicamp, the expectation around the league was that the Rockets’ point guard would miss the entire 2025-26 season. That outcome still remains likely, but Houston is not fully closing the door.

Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports the Rockets have not ruled out a late-season return for VanVleet, who has been aggressive in his rehab with the goal of giving himself a chance to play again this year.

Whether that proves realistic remains to be seen, but the 31-year-old is pushing as if it is.

Clippers

Derrick Jones Jr. has been diagnosed with a Grade II MCL sprain in his right knee, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

It is an unfortunate repeat for Jones, who had just returned from a similar injury suffered in November.

Jones had played only four games since returning, after missing 17 contests earlier this season.

In 17 total appearances, he has been one of the Clippers’ most effective role players, averaging a career-high 10.4 points, shooting 40.0 percent from three and posting a career-best 1.1 blocks per game.

Law Murray of The Athletic notes the Clippers have 20 games remaining before the All-Star break, and this timeline could sideline Jones for all of them. Los Angeles went 5-12 without him earlier this season.

Mavericks

Regardless of what ultimately happens with Anthony Davis, the Mavericks are taking a hard look at the roster.

Stein writes there is a growing belief around the league that nearly everyone on Dallas’ roster is potentially available, with the exception of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.

The Mavericks sit at 13-23 and have dropped six of their last eight games, a stretch that has intensified internal evaluations as the trade deadline approaches.