Rockets’ Patrick Beverley Will Be ‘A No-Go For The Series’ Against Warriors

USA Today

The Houston Rockets were able to pull off the seemingly impossible during their second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. James Harden and company came back from a 3-1 deficit in the series to beat Doc Rivers’ squad and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Now the Rockets face their biggest challenge of the season against arguably the best team in the league. The Golden State Warriors will host the Rockets in Game 1 of the West Finals and are heavily favored to come out on top with a -10.5 point spread, according to Sportsbook.ag.

Heading into this series, the Rockets were optimistic about the prospect of getting their starting point guard back on the floor. Patrick Beverley’s playing status was questionable and many believe he may be able to return giving the team a considerable upgrade defensively in the backcourt, but unfortunately, he’s been ruled out for the series, via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

After trying a second time on the eve of Game 1, Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley couldn’t find the strength and mobility in his left wrist to believe there exists a chance that he can return in the Western Conference finals, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

“It’s a no-go for the series,” a league source told Yahoo Sports on Tuesday. “He’s done trying.”

Without Beverley back in the lineup, the Rockets will struggle to contain reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry. Although Curry struggled in a few games of the team’s series with the Memphis Grizzlies, the veteran guard came into his own in the final two games and proved he can be dominant in the postseason as well as the regular season.

As expected, the Rockets are the underdogs coming into the West Finals. Currently, Houston has 6/1 odds to come out on top in the series with Golden State. Not having Beverley back healthy will definitely impact their chances.