Rockets' Papanikolaou out 10-14 days with sprained MCL

The Houston Rockets can't seem to catch a break on the injury front, and it doesn't seem to matter to them at all.

The Rockets sit at 16-4 - the second-best record in the league - and rank as the league's No. 2 defense, despite starters Patrick Beverley, Terrence Jones and Dwight Howard all missing significant time. Beverley has returned, but backup Isaiah Canaan is hobbling and the team is now without one of their interior reserves, too.

Rookie Kostas Papainoklaou will miss 10-14 days after suffering a first degree MCL sprain on Friday.

The Greek power forward is averaging 6.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and three assists in 19 games, playing an unexpected 25.5 minutes due to the injuries around the lineup. A versatile 6-foot-8, Papanikolaou has seen time at both forward spots and even some spot duty at center with smaller lineups.

Should Howard not return to coincide with Papanikolaou's injury, even more will be asked of Tarik Black and Joey Dorsey, while rookie Clint Capela could be forced into meaningful run for the first time.