Rockets' Howard to miss 5th straight game Friday vs. Clippers

As expected, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard will not play in Friday night's marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Howard has been sidelined with a right knee strain, for which he's already received a platelet-rich injection, and Friday will mark the fifth consecutive game he'll sit out. 

The Rockets have managed to stem the tide so far, going 3-1 without him - a stretch that includes quality wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings - but the Clippers should test their frontcourt depth in big way. Rookie Tarik Black has done an admirable job in Howard's place, and should draw the start again on Friday.

Point guard Patrick Beverley will be absent for the Rockets as well. He's been dealing with a hamstring strain, and is not expected back any time soon.