Rockets' Patrick Beverley: Expected to miss at least 20 games

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said Friday that Beverley (knee) is expected to miss at least 20 games to start the regular season, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Twenty games would equate to roughly a five-to-six week timetable for Beverley, who appears to be facing a lengthy absence regardless if he opts for surgery on the sore left knee or not. D'Antoni admitted the injury "complicates" things as the Rockets attempt to make their final roster cuts, as the team may now be inclined to keep undrafted rookie Gary Payton as added insurance at point guard. The Rockets were already set to lean heavily on James Harden as their primary ball-handler to begin the regular season, so none of the team's reserve floor generals would stand to see a notable uptick in fantasy value as a result of Beverley's extended break.