Unfortunately, it was recently announced that Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL and is potentially out for the season. VanVleet's injury is devastating news, especially for a team with title aspirations, and the NBA community is wishing VanVleet a speedy recovery.
Just in: Houston Rockets' Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL, sources tell ESPN. A devastating, potentially season-ending loss for the Rockets with their starting point guard and leader. pic.twitter.com/Qhf0V58DwR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2025
This is awful news and something nobody would wish to happen, but from a basketball perspective, it also undoubtedly changes the outlook of the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the many teams that will feel the ripple effects of this devastating injury.
Fred VanVleet's devastating injury changes the outlook of the Western Conference
After trading for Kevin Durant in the offseason, many people viewed the Rockets as the biggest threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Denver Nuggets were also in this conversation, but the Wolves are largely viewed as a tier below these squads. However, VanVleet's injury changes the equation in the Western Conference, reshaping the Wolves' path to earn a top-three seed and ultimately make another deep playoff push.
The Rockets will still be a good team and could very well still finish ahead of Minnesota. Regardless, there's no denying that losing VanVleet is a devastating blow. VanVleet's impact as an offensive organizer, perimeter defender, and 3-point shooter is vital. Notably, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while leading the team in minutes last season.
The Rockets don't have a natural replacement for VanVleet. Sure, they might sign a veteran like Russell Westbrook or make a blockbuster trade. However, there's a real possibility that they will be counting on Reed Sheppard to play a bigger role and lean into a point guard by committee approach.
Houston's season isn't completely lost, of course. They won 52 games last year, good for second in the West. The trio of Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson is one of the best in the league. With Durant in the mix, they now have an elite go-to scorer. Nevertheless, VanVleet's injury changes the Rockets' outlook from a clear top-three seed to one of the many teams fighting for a top-three seed.
This injury not only changes the Rockets' season outlook but also the outlook of all other teams in the West. Assuming the Rockets drop a bit in the standings, other teams are bound to rise. From a Timberwolves perspective, Minnesota's path to earning a top-three seed is far clearer after this unfortunate news.
With Anthony Edwards being 24 and an impressive all-around core that just made their second straight conference finals, the Wolves are better positioned than other teams in the West to move up the standings. The Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Golden State Warriors are three teams that will also closely feel the ripple effect of VanVleet's injury.
Regardless, the entire NBA community is wishing VanVleet a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on the court as soon as possible.