DENVER, CO - MARCH 07: Donatas Motiejunas #20 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball against Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on March 7, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockets defeated the Nuggets 114-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Donatas Motiejunas Injury: Updates on Rockets Star's Back and Return

Scott PolacekMar 27, 2015

Between Dwight Howard, Patrick Beverley, Terrence Jones and others, the Houston Rockets have been snakebitten this season in the injury department. Their short-term depth took another hit Friday when Donatas Motiejunas was dealt a physical setback. He will miss the rest of the season after underdoing surgery.

Continue for updates.

TOP NEWS

Motiejunas Out for Season

Thursday, April 9

The Rockets announced Motiejunas will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing back surgery on April 9.

On April 8, ESPN.com's Marc Stein denied that Motiejunas had a setback but acknowledged "his injury simply isn't improving."

Motiejunas may not be a marquee name around the league but has been a reliable and durable option for the Rockets down low with Howard and Jones missing time. Motiejunas has appeared in 71 games, starting 62, and is averaging 12.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

He can stretch the floor with a solid mid-range jumper and is not afraid to mix it up down low on the boards and as a rim protector. The Rockets could have certainly used him back and healthy before playoff time for depth purposes.