When Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was asked about whether Patrick Beverley would be available at some point during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, he seemed confident that his veteran point guard would play sooner than later.

"You'll see him for sure," Rivers said. "I'm pretty sure tomorrow [for Game 1], but I can't guarantee that. But he looked pretty good [in practice]."

via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN

ANALYSIS: Beverley's lockdown defense would certainly help the Clippers as they try to contain Jamal Murray, who lit up the Utah Jazz in the first round to the tune of 31.6 points, 6.3 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 4.6 threes while shooting 55 percent from the field and 53.3 percent from three.

Beverley has been out since Aug. 4 due to a left calf strain. This season, he started in 50 of 51 games that he appeared in, averaging 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 threes (on 38.8 percent shooting from deep).