Rockets not expecting Patrick Beverley back quickly

When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

That's apparently the approach the Houston Rockets are taking now that point guard Patrick Beverley is sidelined by a strained left hamstring for the third time this season. 

Despite his claims to the contrary on the weekend, Beverley is inactive on Monday as his Rockets take on the New York Knicks, and head coach Kevin McHale is expecting Beverley to miss more than just the one game. McHale said Monday that he is expecting Beverley to be out longer than he was last time, though he didn't provide a firm timetable.

Beverley's most recent absence lasted four games from Nov. 6 to Nov. 14. Prior to that, he had missed two games, returning for just one. With the continued flare-ups, the Rockets appear set to take the cautious approach this time, rather than bringing Beverley back quickly only to lose him once again.

In seven games this season, Beverley has averaged 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 46.5 percent from outside. It's his defense that really shines, though, as the Rockets are 1.8 points per-100 possessions better on that end with Beverley on the floor.

Isaiah Canaan will start in Beverley's place on Monday and will likely do so as long as Beverley is sidelined. Canaan started all six games Beverley missed earlier in the year and is averaging 11.5 points and 2.3 assists as a starter.