Knee injury sidelines Houston Rockets' Patrick Beverley

The Houston Rockets will be withouit guard Patrick Beverley for at least 20 games to start the 2016-17 season.

Beverley is out with a left knee injury, coach Mike D'Antoni said Friday. With the possibility of his recovery extending into the first six weeks of the season, the Rockets will be forced to juggle their roster and lineup ahead of the regular-season opener next week.

To help make up for Beverley's absence until he returns, the Rockets are expected to utilize a combination of Eric Gordon, Tyler Ennis, P.J. Hairston and K.J. McDaniels in the backcourt with shooting guard James Harden.

Last season, Beverley averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. His career averages are 9.2 points, 3.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Beverley played in one exhibition game on Oct. 2, scoring five points and adding six rebounds and five assists in a 131-94 victory over the Shanghai Sharks.