Patrick Beverley has torn meniscus
An MRI exam Friday revealed that Houston Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley tore the meniscus in his right knee, and coach Kevin McHale said he's out indefinitely.
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Beverley suffered the injury in the Rockets' victory Thursday night over the Philadelphia 76ers. He will be re-examined and gather opinions before deciding on a course of treatment. Typically, there are several options on a torn meniscus that can keep a player out anywhere from a few weeks to four to six months.
The Rockets are also waiting on an update on center Dwight Howard. After missing three games following a procedure to remove a cyst from his left ankle, Howard told the Houston Chronicle that the ankle bothered him Thursday and he planned to have it evaluated by a specialist.
Beverley was in the midst of a breakout season as the team's starting point guard, especially because of his defensive ability on the perimeter. His stats of 9.9 points and 2.7 assists per game don't show how vital he is to the Rockets' defense. His strong play in the second half of the season has been a big factor in Houston's 27-8 record since Jan. 1.
When dealing with a torn meniscus, there is often an option or repair or remove the meniscus. If the damaged cartilage is removed, the player can often return in weeks, but there is a risk of complications in the future. If the tear is repaired, the recovery time is much greater but fewer long-term risks result. Derrick Rose had his meniscus repaired in November and was declared out of the season.
The Rockets will promote Jeremy Lin back into the starting lineup in Beverley's place. Lin has started 25 games this season, most of them when Beverley was out with a broken hand in December and January. He's averaging 12.4 points and 4.2 assists in 29 minutes a game as the team's top sub.
Houston's depth at point guard, they have rookie Isaiah Canaan on the roster, led to a trade of veteran point guard Aaron Brooks at the trade deadline for backup wing Jordan Hamilton.
ESPN.com
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