Rockets' Beverley expected to return next week

All-Star guard James Harden will likely have his backcourt running mate back by his side next week.

Patrick Beverley has yet to play this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Oct. 25. He told the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen following Friday's workouts that he's certain he'll be returning to the lineup at some point over the next three games, although he wouldn't specify which one.

"I practiced yesterday. Very good, excited, can't wait to play, can't wait to get out with my teammates," Beverley said. "I missed them a lot. I missed being on the road a lot. I missed team camaraderie a lot. I missed my guys a lot. I missed playing basketball. I missed competing. I will be back this upcoming week, for sure."

When he does hit the hardwood for NBA action once again, the 28-year-old doesn't expect his knee to hold him back, even when the Rockets are playing on back-to-back nights.

"I'm completely healed," he added. "I did a lot of contact (Friday). I've been getting a lot of contact. It's up to me to get my rhythm. I don't want to come in and play limited minutes. When I come back, I'm going to be full force. I can't say what coach is going to do or how many minutes I'm going to play. But when I come back, I come back to play an overtime, a double overtime game."

In 71 appearances and 63 starts during the 2015-16 campaign, Beverley averaged 9.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 43.4 percent shooting.

Houston currently owns a 5-4 record, with Harden taking over full-time duties at point guard, while Eric Gordon stepped into the starting lineup with Beverley not available.