Fansided

Rockets PF Donatas Motiejunas out for the season, playoffs

By Josh Criswell

Jan 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) holds the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) holds the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Adding to what has been an injury-plagued season for the Houston Rockets, power forward Donatas Motiejunas will reportedly miss the remainder of the year with a back injury.

Donatas Motiejunas may not be a household name in the NBA, but losing him is a major loss for the Houston Rockets as they head towards the playoffs.

The 24-year old power forward from Lithuania was in the midst of a breakout season, receiving significant playing time for the first time in his career while filling in for injured All-Star center Dwight Howard. His 7-foot frame helped fill a major void in the post, and even though Howard has finally returned to action, Motiejunas will be missed greatly.

There was initially hope that he would be able to return before the regular season was over, but Motiejunas has simply been unable to recover from a back injury he sustained during a March 25th matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Motiejunas recorded career-highs in points and rebounds this season with 12 points and 5.9 boards per game, while shooting over 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the 3-point line. He also played a key role in providing a front court presence for the Rockets with Howard and starting power forward Terrance Jones sidelined with injuries for the majority of the season.

Howard and Jones have both finally returned to the lineup for the Rockets, which should be some relief for fans in Houston. The fact that James Harden is in the middle of a potential MVP season should help as well.

Motiejunas’ versatile offensive skill set and ability to alter shots at the rim on defense are what will be missed the most, as well as his consistency. Dominant post players are never in short order during the playoffs, and all it takes is an untimely slump from Harden and the Rockets will be facing yet another first round exit, as they experienced last year firsthand.

His injury is not a death sentence by any means, but it does place a heavy burden on two players returning from major injuries. If Houston is going to make a deep playoff run, James Harden will need to continue playing at an MVP-level, and Howard, Jones and midseason acquisition Josh Smith will need to step up their play at both ends of the court.

The front court trio has looked good this year, but with the Rockets’ luck this season it is only a matter of time before another post player goes down for Houston. If this does occur, it could get very ugly for Houston this postseason.

More from FanSided

Home/Houston Rockets