Forward Donatas Motiejunas does not have a timetable to be cleared for practices but went forward when he was permitted to take full-speed steps.

Motiejunas, who began on-court workouts about two weeks ago, was cleared to begin sprints, the next step in his rehabilitation from back surgery late last season.

Motiejunas said the doctors would let him know when he can join the Rockets' workouts, rather than having his availability determined by a timetable.

The Rockets remain uncertain about whether Motiejunas, 25, will be available for the season opener Oct. 28 but have not ruled it out.

Rookie forward Montrezl Harrell is out with a thigh bruise but is considered close to returning.

Preseason goal to protect ball

The Rockets head to the first preseason game Tuesday night at Memphis to test their progress after seven days of practices, but the first priority many mentioned was to play faster, but also with greater discipline.

The Rockets had the third-most turnovers per game in the NBA last season.

"It's just about being aggressive tomorrow," guard James Harden said. "Playing fast, playing quicker, but eliminating turnovers. Our pace is going to be one of the highest in the league, but with that pace, we want to make sure we eliminate turnovers and get really good shots. That's what we're working on."

While the Rockets emphasize playing with greater pace, the Grizzlies will often work to slow teams. But coach Kevin McHale said he is unconcerned with an opponent's strategy. He wants the Rockets running regardless.

"Doesn't matter what they do. We've got to run," McHale said. "We have to attack. However they want to play, I have no control of that. It's how we have to play.

"We've worked on other things, but we have to get our pace up. Defensively-wise, we put in some principles. We haven't put everything in, but what we've put in, I expect them to do everything better and harder."

McHale lowers bar for subs

Coach Kevin McHale plans to play most ofhis regulars together at least for a few stretchesin Tuesday night's preseason game at Memphis, the Rockets' first this season.

After that, he will not expect much.

"I want to see the first group that we play together," McHale said. "The first seven, eight guys, I'm going to blend them in together a little bit and let them get a little more of a run.

"I already know, especially with D-Mo (Donatas Motiejunas) being out (and) Montrezl (Harrell), once we get a player or two deeper than you want to go, it will be adventuresome.

"It will be adventuresome for everybody. That's just having young guys out there."

Asked what he hopes to see from those young guys, McHale said: "Find the floor. Know what basket we have. Defend the other basket.

"Very simple things. I'm not looking for much. Our second unit is all guys that have never played in the NBA before.

"We have a lot of vets, but once you get past our ninth guy, everybody else hasn't played in the NBA before.

"What do I expect? I expect them to find out what basket we're at, and we'll go from there."

Jonathan Feigen