Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets Preview and Prediction - Nov. 21 | 2025 NBA Emirates Cup

The Denver Nuggets take on the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Friday. This will be their third Emirates Cup matchup, with both teams aiming to pick up their second win in West Group C.

It’s a showdown between the two group leaders as they continue their Cup campaign following wins in their last outings. The Nuggets beat the Warriors 129-104 in their most recent Cup game, while the Rockets handled the Portland Trail Blazers 140-116 in theirs.

Both teams enter the game with great momentum. Denver defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118 in their previous outing, while the Rockets secured a 114-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road.

Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Nuggets +110, Rockets -135

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Spread: Nuggets +2.5 (-115), Rockets -2.5 (-105)

Total over/under (o/u): Nuggets o234.5 (-110), Rockets u234.5 (-110)

Editor's Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off

Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets preview

The Denver Nuggets bounced back with a win over the Pelicans after their loss to the Chicago Bulls. That defeat remains their only one in November, and they now sit second in the West with an 11–3 record.

The Nuggets remain one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. They own the NBA’s top offense, averaging 124.6 points per game, and rank sixth in assists at 29.2 per game.

Defensively, they’re just as strong, allowing only 113.1 points per game, and they dominate the glass with 47.3 rebounds per game, the second-most in the league.

Unsurprisingly, Nikola Jokic has been their standout performer this season, averaging a triple-double with 29.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have been strong secondary contributors, averaging 22.5 and 20.4 points, respectively.

On the other hand, the Houston Rockets (10-3) are third in the Western Conference and, like the Nuggets, have dropped just one game all month. They come into this matchup on a roll, riding a five-game winning streak.

They’re right behind the Nuggets on offense, averaging 123.9 points per game, but they hold a slight edge on the defensive end, ranking fifth while allowing 112.5 points per game.

They’ve also been stronger on the boards, pulling down 50.3 rebounds per game. However, they’ve struggled a bit in playmaking, sitting 20th in the league with just 25.6 assists per game.

Houston has leaned heavily on Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun this season. The Slim Reaper leads the team in scoring with 25.5 points per game, while Sengun has been impactful on both ends, putting up 23.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

In terms of injuries, the Rockets carry the heavier load, with Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith all sidelined, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Steven Adams are listed as questionable.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets will be without Christian Braun and Julian Strawther, and Aaron Gordon is considered day-to-day.

Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets predicted starting five

Denver Nuggets predicted starting five

PG- Jamal Murray, SG- Cam Johnson, SF- Peyton Watson, PF- Spencer Jones, C- Nikola Jokic

Houston Rockets predicted starting five

PG- Amen Thompson, SG- Josh Okogie, SF- Kevin Durant, PF- Jeff Green, C- Alperen Sengun

Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets betting tips

Jamal Murray is projected to score over 21.5 points. He is averaging 22.5 points per game.

Alperen Sengun is expected to score over 23.5 points after his 28-point outing against the Cavs. He is averaging 23.4 points per game.

Kevin Durant is expected to record over 4.5 rebounds. He is averaging 4.5 rebounds per game.

Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets predictions

The Houston Rockets are slight -2.5 favorites on the spread, mainly due to their home court advantage. However, with several key players out and a thinned-out bench, the Nuggets should have the edge and are likely to come away with the win.

Prediction: Nuggets to win by five points or less.

Edited by Arian Kashyap