Despite missing the entire first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs due to a dislocated right shoulder, Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute is currently on pace to return sooner than expected.
After suffering a dislocated right shoulder in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers three weeks ago, Luc Mbah a Moute appeared to be on the brink of missing nearly a month of basketball action for the Houston Rockets yet once again.
The 31-year-old small forward, who averaged 7.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game for Houston this season, injured his shoulder the second time this year after going up for a dunk in the Rockets penultimate game of the regular season on April 10.
Now, several reports have indicated that the man known as The Prince could be back sooner than originally anticipated.
According to Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston, Mbah a Moute — who was originally listed as doubtful to play by head coach Mike D’Antoni earlier this week, was upgraded to questionable for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz, as the former UCLA star was recently spotted hoisting up shots and taking part in the Rockets full practice on Saturday afternoon.
Luc Mbah a Moute (shooting on side goal) is in his regular #Rockets practice jersey today, which was not the case on Friday. Looks like he’s going to be a full participant today. pic.twitter.com/WIB5sQz9Z0
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) April 28, 2018
"“I’m ready in my mind,” Mbah a Moute said to reporters prior to Houston’s most recent practice, and added that his official status will be made prior to game time on Sunday afternoon. “I’ve done this already, so I’m not used to it, but I pretty much know what to expect.”"
According to the most recent report, he will in fact play in Game 1.
Rockets reserve forward Luc Mbah a Moute will play in Game 1 against the Jazz after missing the first round due to a dislocated right shoulder.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 29, 2018
Fans throughout Clutch City and beyond must be eager to see that the 10-year veteran will be making his return in time to be a part of the Rockets’ playoff run.
His presence on the defensive end ,alongside P.J. Tucker, Trevor Ariza and Chris Paul, has proven to be invaluable to Houston’s success within its switch-heavy, pick-and-roll defense implemented by assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik.
In games where Tucker and Mbah a Moute have both shared the floor this season, the Rockets have posted an astounding 98.3 defensive rating as a team, en route to outscoring opponents by an average of 17.5 points per 100 possessions over the 900-plus minutes that they have played together.
Mbah a Moute possesses the ability to switch out and defend multiple positions on the perimeter, and also boasts the lowest individual defensive rating on Houston’s squad among players who average at least 20 minutes per game. (101.2)
"“Luc is a huge part of what we’re trying to do,” Rockets star guard James Harden told reporters on Saturday. “His defensive abilities, and offensively him being able to dribble, drive create and shoot…We’ve been missing him.”“Luckily we got past the first round, but in order to get where we want to go, he’s going to be a big part of that.”"
Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft
The Rockets will now seek to draw first blood in their best-of-seven series against Utah in Game 1 of their second round series at the Toyota Center.