Rockets injury update: James Harden, Patrick Beverley miss practice, hope to play Friday

The Rockets had a ridiculous run of injuries last night, with all three of their rotation guards heading to the locker room at various points in the first half to deal with their various maladies. James Harden had lower back tightness, Patrick Beverley injured a muscle in his ribs, and Jeremy Lin got cut under the chin and had to get stitched up. Lin and Harden would return soon after leaving the game, but Beverley would remain out for the rest of the contest.

Last night, we got some good news on Beverley's condition as he had this to say on Twitter:

Thanks to everyone who checked on me. I'm good and will be playing against the Mavs friday

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) October 31, 2013

However, when practice kicked off today, neither Beverley nor Harden was able to go. They were both held out, and are considered game-time decisions for Friday night against the Mavericks. With a pair of back-to-backs in the next five days, those two are going to have to get right quickly or will likely miss some game action.

Meanwhile, Lin was a partial participant in practice, but the Rockets expect him to be at full strength for Friday's tilt against Dallas.

The injuries to Beverley and Harden this early in the season are concerning, and with four games in five nights, you have to wonder whether they will be able to go in all four. If they aren't, Aaron Brooks better be ready.