Rockets' Beverley will not return vs. Nuggets due to left ankle sprain

Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley left Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets with a left ankle sprain and will not return.

Beverley is one of the league's peskiest defenders at the point of attack, but he's struggled to stay on the floor since breaking into the league in 2012. He only made 56 appearances last season after tearing tendons in his wrist.

Fortunately, the Rockets have enough depth to weather Beverley's absence. Ty Lawson and James Harden are excellent high-volume playmakers, while veteran Jason Terry is a capable backup combo guard.

The scrappy 27-year-old Beverley is averaging 5.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.3 minutes per game this season.