By Salman Ali on April 10, 2018
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Luc Mbah a Moute's shoulder has not been kind to him this season. After a high-flying dunk on the Lakers' Thomas Bryant, he once again dislocated his shoulder and immediately left the court for the locker room. The injury took place with about four minutes left in the second half.
The last time Mbah a Moute dislocated his shoulder, he missed 15 games for the Rockets and his absence was felt, especially on the defensive end. The Rockets are a completely different team on both ends of the floor when he is healthy. The defensive rating took a significant drop once Mbah a Moute went down with the injury the first time. The Rockets have gone 26-4 since he returned.
For now, the diagnosis is a dislocated shoulder. There will have to be testing to confirm the injury and hopefully, it is not something worse such as a torn labrum. It is likely Mbah a Moute will miss at least the first round of the NBA Playoffs, which begin this upcoming weekend.
In the event the Rockets and Warriors meet in the Western Conference Finals, that is where Mbah a Moute's services will severely be needed. His ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter can get the Rockets over the hump. Rockets fans have every right to worry about his health and the team's chances against the Warriors if the series happens.
Although one person cannot fill his gap, Mike D'Antoni will likely lean on Gerald Green and Joe Johnson more than ever. Although Johnson has struggled since signing with the team, he had success with the Utah Jazz last season in the playoffs and can hopefully find that spark once again. Green immediately provides offense off the bench and can honestly win a playoff game for the Rockets.
The Rockets will likely get testing done quickly to give a timetable on Mbah a Moute's recovery. One can hope the injury is not too serious and that he can return at some point in the playoffs.
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