Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale will be without starting point guard Patrick Beverley for up to two weeks.

The 25-year-old was expected to continue as a starter this season, with Jeremy Lin providing a solid contribution off the bench in the win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.

However, Beverley is expected to be out for up to two weeks after suffering a "partial tear of a muscle in his midsection", according to the official Rockets website.

Shooting guard James Harden also sat out Thursday's practice session, but is expected to play against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.