The Rockets moved another step closer to finalizing its roster on Tuesday by releasing guard Kelenna Azubuike.

The Rockets now have 17 players and have to release at least two more names before the season opener on Nov. 1.

Houston has two players in Scott Padgett and Casey Jacobsen who were training camp invitees and two more players -- Ryan Bowen (hip) and Bob Sura (knee) -- that haven't played this preseason because of injuries.

"Whatever we do won't be enjoyable," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "There are a lot of different scenarios, and all of them stink. I'd always like to be at 13 or 14 players (on the roster). But there are many cases to be made for 15."