The Houston Rockets take on the Los Angeles Lakers tonight, but it remains to be seen who will start at point guard for the Rockets.
Patrick Beverley returned in a back up role Tuesday night after being out for a week with a rib injury. He contributed 29 minutes off the bench, the exact same amount of time Jeremy Lin (photo by Howard Chen) played in a 116 to 101 victory over Portland.
Both played well, and its assumed Beverley, who was named the starter before the season, will eventually take over the starting job.
Lin has played well as the starter in Beverley’s absence. The Rockets have gone 3-1 with Lin as a starter. He is shooting 53 percent from the field and an impressive 43 percent from behind the three point line.
“I’m happy to be back, ” said Beverley. “I wanted to play the next day after the injury. It’s not because we lost (on Monday) or anything like that. I’m a competitor. It doesn’t feel right … not being able to go out there and help my teammates any way I can.”
Beverley is noted more his defense which has been a weak spot in the Houston line up. It’s hope Lin will bring an offensive spark off the bench. But should McHale ride the hot hand in Lin and let him continue to start? We’ll know more tonight.
