Fred VanVleet Will Rest During Back-to-Back Games This Season

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet will sit out back-to-back games to start the regular season under coach Ime Udoka's management plan. VanVleet missed the entire previous season due to a left leg ailment. When VanVleet is sidelined, Marcus Smart will start at point guard instead of Reed Sheppard. The Rockets face 13 back-to-back sets this year, beginning with opening week games on Friday and Saturday as the team manages the veteran guard's workload carefully.