NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute is hopeful that he can return to action in Game 1 against the Utah Jazz
After missing the entire first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets are hopeful that Luc Mbah a Moute will make his playoff debut in Game 1 against the Utah Jazz.
The Rockets are Jazz are set to start their second-round series Sunday.
Houston didn’t need Mbah a Moute for their first-round matchup agains the Wolves, as they quickly disposed of Tom Thibodeau’s bunch in five games, but could use all the depth they have against the Jazz.
Utah is coming off a series in which it imposed its will against a much more talented – at least on paper – team in the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Even without a superstar on its roster – unless you’re already considering Donovan Mitchell one – the Jazz knocked off the Thunder, who have two (three if you count Melo).
In the playoffs, talent generally wins out. The Jazz are not just you everyday playoff team. They are a superb defensive team that will ugly up games in order to win, something that the Thunder, clearly, weren’t comfortable with.
The Rockets could have some of the same issues that the Thunder did, but there’s no question that a healthy Mbah a Moute would help.
"[via NBC Sports]“I’m ready in my mind,” Mbah a Moute told reporters in Houston before the practice, adding that the final determination on his status will be made Sunday. “I’ve done this already, so I’m not used to it, but I pretty much know what to expect.”"
Luc Mbah a Moute averaged seven points and three rebounds for the Rockets this season, while playing close to 26 minutes off the bench per contest. He can shoot the 3-point shot at an above average 36 percent and plays well of the defensive end.
He certainly isn’t the biggest name on the team’s roster, but he’s been a valuable contributor to this team for the majority of the season. Having him back will ease the weight on a few of the other bench players on the roster.
The Rockets are difficult to be as is. When they’re all healthy, it becomes downright impossible.