The revelation of Fred VanVleet's likely season-ending knee injury has dealt a major blow to one of the Golden State Warriors biggest rivals, with the Houston Rockets now facing an uphill battle to being a legitimate championship contender despite the blockbuster addition of 2x Finals MVP Kevin Durant.
Much of the optimism surrounding the Rockets will now quieten as a result of VanVleet's injury, but it also provides a harrowing reminder to the Warriors and their own delicate place among the Western Conference's playoff contenders.
The Warriors will still rely on a healthy season from Stephen Curry
While the addition of Durant and the youth and improvement in Houston's young players should still see them vying for a playoff spot, the same likely won't be said for Golden State if they were to lose superstar guard Stephen Curry to any lengthy injury absence.