Rockets' Patrick Beverley: Could make season debut this week

Beverley (knee) is targeting a return for either Wednesday's game against the Thunder or Thursday's matchup with the Trail Blazers, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

It was reported late last week that Beverley was nearing a return to the court, so this is only further confirmation that he's almost at full strength. Beverley won't be available for Monday's game against the Sixers, but the hope is that after logging a practice Tuesday, he'll be available for one or both games of the Rockets' back-to-back set over the following two days. Once Beverley is cleared to play, he'll likely be eased into action and could face a minutes restriction for a few games while getting his condition in order. It also remains to be seen what kind of role Beverley is slated to have now that James Harden has taken over primary ball-handling duties in the Rockets' offense.