Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 15 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets meet again on Monday at Ball Arena in Colorado. It will be their second matchup of the season, with Denver edging out Houston 112–109 in the first meeting.

Both teams enter this matchup following wins in their previous games. The Nuggets secured a 136-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings, while the Rockets defeated the LA Clippers 115-113.

The matchup also features the second-seeded Nuggets (18–6) against the third-place Rockets (16–6), setting up an intriguing clash. Denver’s home form will be under scrutiny, with a 6–4 record at Ball Arena against a Houston side that is 8–4 on the road.

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

Moneyline: Rockets -105, Nuggets -115

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Spread: Rockets +1.5 (-115), Nuggets -1.5 (-105)

Total over/under (o/u): Rockets o235.5 (-105), Nuggets u235.5 (-115)

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

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets preview

The Houston Rockets bounced back in their last outing after a 122–109 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Monday’s matchup opens a five-game road trip as Houston remains one of the best teams in the league.

Their strong start has been driven by balance on both ends of the floor. The Rockets average 120.6 ppg, the fifth-best mark in the league, while their defense has been just as effective, allowing just 110.4 ppg, the second-best figure in the NBA.

Kevin Durant has been the Rockets' leading scorer this season, averaging 24.8 ppg. However, Alperen Sengun has been a force on both ends, recording 23.0 ppg and 9.4 rpg.

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets enter the matchup riding the longest active win streak in the Western Conference. Denver has won four straight games, regaining momentum after a brief slump at the end of November.

Denver’s resurgence has been fueled by its offense. The Nuggets lead the NBA in scoring, averaging 125.5 ppg, although their defense leaves room for improvement, as they allow 115.9 ppg, the 14th-best mark in the league.

Nikola Jokic remains the Nuggets' best performer, with the center averaging 29.5 ppg, 12.2 rpg and 10.9 apg. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray has been a great secondary option, averaging 24.4 ppg.

Both teams will be missing several key players due to injuries. The Rockets will be without Tari Eason, Fred VanVleet, and Dorian Finney-Smith, while the Nuggets will miss Julian Strawther, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Tamar Bates.

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets predicted starting fives

Houston Rockets predicted starting five

PG- Amen Thompson, SG- Reed Sheppard, SF- Kevin Durant, PF- Jabari Smith Jr., C- Alperen Sengun

Denver Nuggets predicted starting five

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

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets betting tips

Alperen Sengun is projected to score over 20.5 points following his 22-point outing. He is averaging 23.0 ppg.

Jamal Murray is expected to score over 23.5 points. He is averaging 24.4 ppg this season.

Nikola Jokic is projected to collect over 11.5 rebounds. He is averaging 12.2 rebounds per game.

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets prediction

The Denver Nuggets are -1.5 favorites. With both teams performing well and close in the standings, this game should be tight. However, the Nuggets' home advantage may lead them to victory.

Prediction: Nuggets to win by 5 points or less.

Edited by Arian Kashyap