Rockets' Patrick Beverley: Will not make trip to China

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said Tuesday that Beverley (knee) will miss the team's next three preseason games, Rockets television play-by-play announcer Craig Ackerman reports.

Analysis:

Beverley's absence will include the Rockets' two games in China on Oct. 9 and Oct. 12, as the point guard won't even travel with the team. It's a little worrisome that Beverley's knee soreness is already severe enough for the Rockets to rule him out of games well in advance, but the team hasn't indicated yet that he's at risk of missing the start of the regular season. While Beverley is out, James Harden is expected to move over to point guard and see even more time directing the offense, while sixth man Eric Gordon should enter the starting five at shooting guard.