The Houston Rockets looked ready to contend for the Western Conference heading into the preseason following deals for Kevin Durant and veteran role players Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela .

Anchored by point guard Fred VanVleet , who signed a two-year, $50 million contract over the summer, all the pieces were in place for Houston to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder for the title and contend for its first NBA championship since 1995.

During an unofficial team workout in the Bahamas, VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that could sideline him for the season's entirety. Now, the Rockets are challenged with filling his spot in the lineup and locker room. How will the team deploy Amen Thompson , Reed Sheppard and others as they try to stay in the conference race?

Follo

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