Two Western Conference rivals do battle on Monday evening, as the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets meet in Texas.
The Rockets have the edge in the standings as Ime Udoka’s men currently sit sixth, with the Nuggets 2.5 games back of their opponents.
It’s Denver, though, that has an advantage in recent head-to-head meetings, with the Nuggets winning five of the last six games against the Rockets.
Denver faced delays flying out of Mexico following Saturday’s win over the Pacers, but they will hope to hit the ground running when they land in Houston.
Nuggets vs. Rockets Betting Picks and Predictions
Denver Nuggets +8.5 (-106)
This is the first time these teams have clashed this season, but it was Denver that had the better of the matchups in 2025-26.
David Adelman’s Nuggets won three of the four meetings with Houston, including a 112-109 win at the Toyota Center.
Denver goes into Monday’s meeting having won their last two games, which has moved them up to ninth in the Western Conference.
An impressive 19-point win on their home court over the Toronto Raptors was followed by a W on the road in Mexico City against Indiana.
In contrast, the Rockets have lost their last two and three of their last five games, leaving some question marks hanging over their bid to win an NBA championship for the first time since 1995.
Houston failed to reach three figures against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, with a 38.3 field-goal percentage in that 102-99 defeat.
That defeat came off the back of a 107-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, when the Rockets faltered late, having been leading going into the final quarter.
It’s also worth noting that Denver ran out to 36-point victors when these two teams last met, with Adelman’s squad 93-129 winners in Colorado back in March.
Alperen Sengun 20+ Points (-130)
Despite Kevin Durant top-scoring in the last two games, it’s Alperen Sengun who leads the Houston roster in points per game.
The Turkish star has averaged 21.5 points per game, with a field-goal percentage of 51.2 across his eight appearances this season.
Sengun could be key if the Rockets are to end their recent wobble, which has seen them lose three of their last five games.
The center shone in Houston’s most recent victory, scoring 26 points and claiming seven rebounds and 10 assists in the 109-93 win over the Boston Celtics.
Denver Nuggets Over 104.5 (-115)
Eight games into the new season and Denver have averaged 115.3 points per game, which has risen after their recent good run.
The Nuggets have fired 110 points or more in their last four games, including 128 against the Raptors and 127 in their NBA Cup success over the Suns.
Denver, who are sitting 13th in the NBA points stats, have scored over the 104.5 target in six of their last seven meetings with the Rockets.
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Nuggets vs. Rockets odds
Denver Nuggets | +280 |
Houston Rockets | -360 |
Spread | HOU Rockets -8.5 |
Total Points | O/U 217.5 |
Nuggets vs. Rockets player props
Player points
Nikola Jokic (DEN Nuggets) | O/U 25.5 |
Jamal Murray (DEN Nuggets) | O/U 22.5 |
Kevin Durant (HOU Rockets) | O/U 20.5 |
Alperen Sengun (HOU Rockets) | O/U 20.5 |
Amen Thompson (HOU Rockets) | O/U 15.5 |
Jabari Smith Jr (HOU Rockets) | O/U 15.5 |
Nuggets vs. Rockets Team News
Six Nuggets players have been listed as questionable, including Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and DeMar Derozan.
Jokic has a right elbow sprain, but it would be a surprise if the three-time NBA MVP didn’t feature at all on Monday night.
Murray is in a race against time to be fit from a shin injury, while Derozan could sit out with a back issue.
Rockets center Clint Capela is set to miss Monday’s game due to an ankle injury, while a late fitness check will be made on Steven Adams, with the New Zealander still struggling with a calf problem.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
