Marcus

Smart

Sheppard has now scored in double figures in three of the six games he’s played this season. Against the Timberwolves, his final stat line included a season-high three steals. With the Rockets signing Marcus Smart (four points, one rebound, one assist, one block and one three-pointer) during the offseason and Fred VanVleet back from a torn ACL, Sheppard’s upside in redraft leagues is limited as long as both veterans are healthy.

VanVleet is back after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Thunder. As a result, Marcus Smart will head back to his customary bench role.

VanVleet is back after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Thunder, which was Houston’s second game in as many nights. His return means Marcus Smart will come off the bench.

Smart started Saturday night, as the Rockets did not have Fred VanVleet (knee) due to injury management. The veteran guard shot 7-of-10 from beyond the arc against the Thunder and recorded his first regular-season 20-point game since March 14 against the Nuggets, when he played for the Lakers. While Smart will be a fixture in the Rockets’ rotation, his fantasy outlook hinges on VanVleet’s availability.

While Şengün is back in the lineup after missing Friday’s loss to the Mavericks, Fred VanVleet (knee) is out for injury management. Smart will slide into the starting point guard role, while Şengün’s return pushes Clint Capela to the bench.

VanVleet will sit with right knee injury management and it likely won’t be the last time he does so this season. With Reed Sheppard (back) also out, Marcus Smart should move into the starting lineup Saturday against the Thunder.

Smart is good to go after missing Houston’s last three games. His return likely means fewer minutes for Bogdan Bogdanović, who played between 15 and 20 minutes in the three games Smart missed.

Smart has missed Houston’s last three games with a forearm injury, giving Bogdan Bogdanović more playing time. Look for Bogie’s minutes to decrease if Smart is cleared to play.

Fortunately for Houston, Fred VanVleet isn’t listed on the injury report. FVV should handle the bulk of the backcourt minutes, and Bogdan Bogdanović should see a significant boost in playing time.

Smart will miss a third straight game, though reports indicated that head coach Ime Udoka was “hopeful” that Smart would return for this game. His next opportunity to suit up will be in Dallas on Friday, while his absence will allow Bogdan Bogdanović to continue to take on extra minutes off the bench.