Fred VanVleet expected to return to lineup as Rockets host Celtics

The Houston Rockets entered this season planning to avoid playing veteran guard Fred VanVleet during both games of back-to-backs, which prompted the offseason signing of veteran Marcus Smart.

Smart excelled in his first start with the Rockets on Saturday, scoring 24 points and making seven 3-pointers in a 119-98 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets, who will host the Boston Celtics on Monday, rebounded from their first loss of the season the night before in Dallas.

With VanVleet watching as part of his injury management protocol, Smart provided an early spark with 12 first-quarter points. His ability to convert open perimeter looks, orchestrate offense and defend with vigor served the Rockets well.

"It's the reason he's here and the reason we made him a target of ours," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of Smart. "If any injury goes down, you can easily plug him into the lineup. He's a very competent starter, a guy that started most of his career but has also come off the bench and is just as effective.

"A lot of what Fred brings, he brings. That edge, toughness, guarding up and down, and no problem getting us into sets. Everything we hoped for he's brought thus far."

Serving in the dual role of trusted reserve and spot starter fits Smart's skillset. The Rockets remain hopeful that VanVleet will maintain optimal health this season, but they know they have a viable second option in a pinch.

"That's part of the game," Smart said. "We've got a long season, and things happen, things that are out of your control. You can't worry about that. Next man up, and you've got to be ready for the opportunity that presents itself."

The Celtics overcame a poor shooting performance from behind the arc and claimed a 108-97 road win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Boston missed 32 of 44 3-pointers, yet remained committed to their defensive approach, an undertaking that yielded their fifth consecutive win.

"Our defensive intensity didn't wane, and our poise to continue to get great shots didn't wane," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. "We have to be able to do that on both ends. We have to be able to trust the next possession and play through and continue to generate great shots, which we did. Our defense, even when we gave up some offensive rebounds, we stayed connected.

"That's the mindset of the team."

Blending veteran Paul George into the mix remains a primary goal for the Celtics. Acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers during the offseason, George delivered another well-rounded effort against the Magic by posting 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks.

The 36-year-old George has long been renowned for his ability to contribute on both ends of the court, a skill set that made him an attractive target for the Celtics. As the season extends, the expectation is for George to settle into his groove.

"We continue to get better," said Boston forward Jayson Tatum, who scored 32 points and added seven assists. "His awareness on the defensive end and his activity with his hands is next level. He just always has awareness for the ball, deflections, and he makes it easy for the rest of us, even this late in his career."

--Field Level Media