NBA: Blow to Rockets hopes as guard Patrick Beverley out injured for rest of the season

HOUSTON (AFP) - Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley will miss the remainder of the NBA season after undergoing surgery on his injured left wrist, the team announced Monday.

Beverley will have an operation on Tuesday to repair a torn wrist ligament that he suffered in last Monday's 110-100 victory over Indiana. The Rockets lost Beverley just two days before they welcomed back center Dwight Howard following a two-month absence due to a right knee injury.

Beverley, 26, was averaging 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists over 56 games this season, but was as important to the Rockets for his defensive skills.

Beverley began his pro career for Ukraine side Dnipro in 2008-2009 and played the next season in Greece for Olympiakos and the 2011-12 campaign for Russia's Spartak St. Petersburg before joining the Rockets in 2013.

At 50-23, the Rockets have already clinched a berth in the Western Conference playoffs and are battling with Memphis (50-24) for first place in the Southwest division and the second seed in the West for the upcoming NBA playoffs.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.