HOUSTON - Houston Rockets centre Dwight Howard will miss his fifth straight game because of a strained right knee on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Howard is averaging 18.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in his second season with Houston. Rockets rookie Tarik Black will likely start in his place.

The Rockets will also be without starting point guard Patrick Beverley, who will miss his third consecutive game because of a strained left hamstring. Isaiah Canaan should start for him.

There is no timetable for the return of either player.