Rockets still without timeline for Howard, Motiejunas

The Houston Rockets still don't have a clear idea of when they'll possess a healthy frontcourt.

Dwight Howard and Donatas Motiejunas, the team's starting center and primary big off the bench, respectively, remain sidelined without firm return timetables. The Rockets have some intriguing pieces as frontcourt depth, and neither player is expected out long-term, so it's more a matter of uncertainty than serious concern.

In Howard's case, he's been called day-to-day for almost the entirety of training camp and preseason. While the eight-time All-Star dealt with serious knee issues into last season's playoffs, it's his back that's causing issues now. Howard has been sidelined since the Oct. 6 preseason opener, and head coach Kevin McHale said the hope is he'll be back within a few days.

The back tightness is something that could conceivably linger into the season, but Calvin Watkins of ESPN reports the team is just being cautious and is "not too concerned."

Motiejunas, meanwhile, still hasn't been cleared to practice following season-ending back surgery in April. He remains without a timetable but has strung together consecutive workouts without complication. The 25-year-old averaged 12 points and 5.9 rebounds a year ago, primarily as the team's starting power forward, a role he's probably lost in absentia.

The Rockets started Montrezl Harrell and Clint Capela in their most recent game, though Terrence Jones is the likely starter at the four. Capela would stand to start if Howard misses any regular-season action.