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Slam Dunk - $20 - Contest Completed | NBA Week 26

Rockets, Fred VanVleet extend deal deadline

Wed May 7 4:25pm ET
Field Level Media

The Houston Rockets and guard Fred VanVleet are pushing back Friday's deadline for the $44.9 million team option in his contract, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The two sides now have until June 29 to decide whether to exercise the 2025-26 option or perhaps negotiate a longer-term deal, per the report.

VanVleet, 31, has played the past two seasons in Houston following seven seasons in Toronto, where he captured an NBA title in 2018-19 and made the All-Star team in 2021-22.

VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 60 games (all starts) for the Rockets this season. He finished third on the team with 159 3-point buckets as Houston ended a four-year playoff drought.


Undrafted in 2016 out of Wichita State, VanVleet has averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 550 career games (401 starts).

Player Notes
Al Horford Wed May 7 6:00pm

Boston Celtics forward/center Al Horford will join the starting unit for Wednesday's Game 2 showdown against the New York Knicks. He is taking the starting spot from Kristaps Porzingis. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will try to shake things up after his team missed a historic 45 three-point shots in Monday's Game 1 loss. Horford will make his fifth start of the postseason. He has averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the role. While Porzingis drops to the bench, he should still have a significant role to play in the contest. Given his struggles this postseason, he may even feel more comfortable as a member of the second unit.

Kristaps Porzingis Wed May 7 5:40pm

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has been upgraded from probable to available for Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. Porzingis' night was cut short in the series opener due to illness, but he is ready to suit up for Wednesday's clash. On Monday night, Porzingis finished scoreless with four rebounds on 0-for-4 shooting, and a much better performance is expected from him in Game 2. However, he has been sluggish in these playoffs, averaging only 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds, making it difficult for fantasy managers to trust him.

Sam Hauser Wed May 7 5:40pm

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the New York Knicks. This outcome was always likely after the team labeled him as doubtful on the initial injury report. Hauser is nursing a right ankle sprain sustained during Monday's Game 1 against the Knicks. While Boston will miss Hauser's outside shooting, his impact has been limited in these playoffs, and the Celtics should cope easily without him, especially with Jrue Holiday back in the lineup for the series and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) also available for Wednesday's contest.

Stephen Curry Wed May 7 5:10pm

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (hamstring) will miss at least one week of action. He was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on Wednesday, and the team announced that Curry will be re-evaluated in one week. This means he is set to miss at least three games in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 5 in the matchup is scheduled for next Wednesday, and it's possible Curry will then be ready to return. Curry's injury is a big blow for the Warriors, but they have seen Buddy Hield step up big time in recent games and still have Jimmy Butler III to lead the way.

Myles Turner Wed May 7 8:00am

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner played a pivotal role in Tuesday's 120-119 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, posting 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting and blocking five shots. Additionally, he recorded eight rebounds with one steal and one block, finishing 2-for-5 with his shots from the three-point line. This was Turner's third outing in four games with 20-plus points. He is in a great position to enjoy further offensive success against the Cavaliers, as they lost Evan Mobley (ankle) for Tuesday's Game 2. It was a difficult matchup on paper for Turner, but he has been strong in the series so far, averaging 18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks.

Ty Jerome Wed May 7 8:00am

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome had a rough outing in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, shooting a horrible 1-for-14 from the field to finish a 120-119 loss with two points. Jerome took Sam Merrill's spot in the starting unit and struggled right out of the gate, with Pacers center Myles Turner blocking a pair of his shots. The 27-year-old made his only field goal early in the third quarter. He finished 0-for-4 from outside and had two rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes. With Darius Garland (toe) injured, Jerome must do much more for the Cavaliers, who are now in an uncomfortable 2-0 series hole after losing two home games.

Naz Reid Wed May 7 7:50am

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid returned to his Sixth Man of the Year form in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, putting up 19 points on 8-for-14 shooting and collecting five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in a 99-88 loss. Reid, who was 3-for-7 from behind the arc, appeared to have injured his left leg in the second quarter but was able to finish the contest, logging 34 minutes. Minnesota saw Reid contribute only 11.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in Round 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, but it looks like he will have a much more important role to play in the matchup against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler Wed May 7 7:30am

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III nearly recorded a triple-double in Tuesday's Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing a 99-88 road victory with 20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 41 minutes. He went 7-for-20 from the field, including 2-for-8 from downtown, and had a quiet night at the free-throw line this time around, going 4-for-6. Butler III helped Golden State to overcome the loss of Stephen Curry (hamstring) in the contest and is expected to take on extra responsibilities on the offensive end going forward if Curry must sit out additional time. Over the last three games, Butler III has averaged 22.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists.

Anthony Edwards Wed May 7 7:30am

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards led his squad in several categories on Tuesday night, but the team suffered a 99-88 loss in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves got off to a really slow start, scoring only 31 points in the first half. Things improved in the second 24 minutes, with Edwards leading the way. He finished with 23 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block, shooting 9-for-22 from the field and 1-for-5 from downtown. Edwards has now recorded two consecutive double-doubles for the second time this season, but Minnesota definitely needs to get more scoring from him. The young superstar has been limited to 38 total points over the last two contests.

Buddy Hield Wed May 7 7:20am

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Buddy Hield finished Tuesday's 99-89 win in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves as the leading scorer in the contest, putting up 24 points on 7-for-19 shooting. Hield initially struggled to hit shots, but he stepped up for the Warriors after Stephen Curry (hamstring) exited the game. He was only two rebounds short of a double-double, dished out three assists, and snagged one steal while hitting 5-for-8 from downtown. After combining for only four points in Games 5 and 6 against the Houston Rockets, Hield has exploded for 57 points across two outings, sinking 14 attempts from three-point range. With Curry potentially missing more time, the Warriors are set to rely more on Hield offensively moving forward.

Stephen Curry Wed May 7 7:10am

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (hamstring) will undergo an MRI on Wednesday and is considered day-to-day by the team, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. The veteran superstar injured his left hamstring in Tuesday's Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sounded pessimistic about Curry's chances of playing in Game 2 on Thursday night. "We don't know yet," Kerr said. "But with a hamstring, it's hard to imagine that he would play Thursday." Curry's injury is a tough pill to swallow, but the Warriors proved on Tuesday that they can cope without him. Jimmy Butler III and Buddy Hield spearheaded the offense in Curry's absence. Meanwhile, the situation provides Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II with more playing opportunities.

Donovan Mitchell Wed May 7 12:30am

Cavaliers' G Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points on 15-of-30 shooting in a 119-120 loss to the Pacers on Tuesday, May. 6.

Donovan Mitchell Tue May 6 9:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 48 points in Tuesday's playoff clash with the Pacers. He added nine assists, five rebounds, four steals, and one block. With Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle), and De'Andre Hunter (thumb) sidelined, most had anticipated Mitchell would be even more potent on the scoring end. Unfortunately, his efforts on both sides of the ball weren't enough, with Tyrese Haliburton draining a three-point shot to win the contest and put the Pacers up 2-0 in the series. Mitchell has combined for 60 shot attempts in the first two games of the series. But it's tough to imagine he'll see the same level of involvement in Game 3 on Friday night, especially if Garland, Mobley, and/or Hunter are back in the mix. Still, Mitchell will surely be a popular DFS option on Friday after such a splendid showing, no matter who else is on the floor for the Cavs.

Tyrese Haliburton Tue May 6 9:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton had 19 points in Tuesday's win over the Cavs. He added nine rebounds and four assists. The 25-year-old wasn't as productive on the scoring end in this one compared to Game 1. However, he made up for it by draining a 24-foot three-point shot to win the game and put the Pacers up 2-0 in the series. Without question, Cleveland will need to make some adjustments heading into Game 3 on Friday night, including figuring out how to keep Haliburton in check.

Darius Garland Tue May 6 5:50pm

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (toe) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. This marks his fourth consecutive absence due to a toe injury. Sam Merrill is likely to continue filling in for Garland in the starting unit, while Ty Jerome will have a more significant role in the rotation. Jerome has averaged 17.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists since Garland exited the lineup. Due to his absence, Donovan Mitchell also takes on even more responsibility on offense.

De'Andre Hunter Tue May 6 5:50pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (thumb) will miss Tuesday's Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. He sprained his right thumb in the series opener on Sunday and has been downgraded from questionable to out. Evan Mobley (ankle) will also exit the lineup on Tuesday, meaning players such as Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro must step up. As a result of the injuries, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson may also decide to bring Javonte Green back into the rotation.

Evan Mobley Tue May 6 5:40pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley (ankle) will not play in Tuesday's Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. The 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year injured his left ankle in Game 1 and was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The Cavaliers have already been without Darius Garland (toe) and must also do without De'Andre Hunter (thumb) on Tuesday, leaving the team shorthanded. Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome are sure to take on leading roles on offense, while Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade are set for a substantial increase in minutes.

Sam Hauser Tue May 6 5:30pm

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (ankle) has been listed as doubtful for Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. He injured his right ankle in the series opener on Monday night, and the doubtful tag suggests that it is unlikely we will see Hauser on the court in Game 2. Al Horford and Payton Pritchard are expected to share Hauser's minutes if he can't play. The two combined for 20 points and 10 rebounds in Monday's 108-105 overtime loss. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla may also consider incorporating Baylor Scheierman into the rotation for a minor role.

Kristaps Porzingis Tue May 6 5:20pm

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is likely to suit up on Wednesday night against the New York Knicks, as the team has listed him as probable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Latvian big man logged only 13 minutes in the series opener on Monday, exiting the action due to illness. It has been a challenging postseason for Porzingis, who has averaged just 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting a dismal 32.8 percent from the field. If he can't improve his performance, the Celtics might find that having Al Horford on the court could be a better option for the team.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Tue May 6 9:10am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished Monday's 121-119 loss to the Denver Nuggets with 33 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block. The Canadian superstar stuffed the stat sheet, coming close to a 30-point triple-double, but fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic still outshone him on the night, as he led his team to victory with a 42-point, 22-rebound effort. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 12-for-26 from the field, including 2-for-6 from three-point range, and was 7-for-9 at the free-throw line. Monday night ended in a massive disappointment for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, but this should get the team even more fired up for Wednesday's Game 2.


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