Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets Starting Lineups and Depth Charts (Nov. 21) | 2025–26 NBA Season 

Two of the Western Conference’s top teams are set to square off when the Denver Nuggets meet the Houston Rockets on Friday.

The Nuggets currently occupy the second spot with a record of 11-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play following a 125-118 win over the Pelicans.

Nikola Jokic continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, leading the league in assists (11.1) and rebounds (13.2) while maintaining dominance on the offensive end. He’s seventh in scoring, averaging 29.1 points per game. He already has nine triple-doubles, more than anyone else this season.

As for the Rockets, they have been red-hot as of late, winning five straight games. They sit one spot behind Denver, holding a record of 10-3 overall and 3-2 in the Western Conference after earning a 114-104 road win against Cleveland.

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Kevin Durant led the team in scoring, averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Perhaps the biggest storyline outside Durant has been Alperen Sengun’s emergence. The 6-foot-11 big man is averaging 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists on an impressive 48.9% shooting from the field and 44.7% from beyond the arc.

This will be the first meeting between the two conference rivals this season. They faced off three times last season, with the Nuggets winning the series 2-1.

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Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

David Adelman’s men have taken a few hits in recent weeks. Christian Braun (ankle) and Julian Strawther (lower-back pain) are ruled out.

Aaron Gordon, who missed the last game due to a hamstring injury, is listed as probable. Barring any late setback, he will be available.

Looking further ahead, the Nuggets are at full strength. Cameron Johnson, Peyton Johnson, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon expected to start in what promises to be a formidable lineup.

Houston Rockets Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

The Rockets have their fair share of injuries heading into the matchup. Steven Adams is a significant doubt with an ankle injury. He’s listed as questionable, and the big man is expected to undergo a late medical test before tipoff.

Jabari Smith Jr. is another doubt with a knee injury. The forward has been battling knee issues for some time but has played in all games this season. He is likely to suit up.

Ime Udoka is expected to go with Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson in the starting lineup.

Edited by Mervin LR