Rockets' Beverley expected to return next Wednesday
Help is on the way for the struggling Houston Rockets.
Point guard Patrick Beverley is slated to return to practice by next Monday and will return to game action next Wednesday, interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters Saturday.
Beverley missed the team's last five games including Saturday's tilt against the New York Knicks after tweaking his ankle against the Denver Nuggets last Friday.
He was spotted on crutches the day after.
The Rockets, however, might have a different role in mind for Beverley upon his return. Ty Lawson has struggled immensely with the starters and swapping Lawson's offensive talents for a defensive pest in Beverley might give the Rockets some better floor balance, especially alongside a weak defender in James Harden.
Houston ranks 22nd in defensive rating, down from 8th last season. Having Beverley lead the charge should help the team improve on that front.
The 27-year-old Beverley's averaging 4.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 16 minutes per game this season.