Rockets' Howard still out Monday; Smith, Ariza, Beverley will play

The Houston Rockets will try to tough out their game against the Indiana Pacers on Monday with a beat-up squad. 

Josh Smith, dealing with an ankle sprain, will play, the team announced. Trevor Ariza, dealing with an illness, will also be in the lineup. Finally, Patrick Beverley, who's dealing with elbow bursitis, will try and give it a go, too. All three were listed as questionable earlier Monday. 

Dwight Howard said Sunday that he could return in the next couple of games following a 25-game absence due to a persistent right knee injury, but he won't play on Monday after being upgraded to doubtful.

Jason Terry has also been dealing with a hamstring issue of late, although he suited up for the team's last game and is probable against the Pacers.

The Rockets sit in third place in the Western Conference at 46-23.