Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Preview - Dec. 20 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Houston Rockets will take another crack at the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Houston, 0-2 in closely fought games against Denver, looks to stay alive in the crucial season series with a win. Rockets coach Ime Udoka will lean on Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to try and break through against the Mile High City team.

Meanwhile, the hobbled Nuggets hope to sustain their dominance against the Rockets and win the season series. With both teams looking to challenge the OKC Thunder in the standings, winning the head-to-head games could be crucial. The Nuggets enter the game riding a six-game winning streak that includes a 128-125 overtime victory against the Rockets on Monday.

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Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Rockets (-102) vs. Nuggets (-116)

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Odds: Rockets (+1.5) vs. Nuggets (-1.5)

Total (O/U): Rockets (o237.0 -110) vs. Nuggets (u237.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.

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Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets preview

The Rockets lost two games to the Nuggets by six points combined. They could have easily been 2-0 if not for Nikola Jokic, who has been nearly unstoppable against them. The three-time MVP is averaging 36.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists per outing when facing Houston.

Ime Udoka’s defense must find a way to slow down the big man, particularly late in the game. Alperen Sengun must go toe-to-toe with his idol in production. If Jokic continues to dominate with his scoring and playmaking, the Rockets could remain winless against the Nuggets.

Denver desperately needs Jamal Murray to play well to help Jokic carry the offense. Due to injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, Murray’s shooting, playmaking and clutch genes will be invaluable.

Offseason additions Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. must step up. Two of the trio delivered in two games against the Rockets to give the Jokic-Murray tandem a lift.

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Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets predicted starting lineups

Rockets

SG: Josh Okogie | SF: Amen Thompson | PF: Jabari Smith Jr. | PF: Kevin Durant | C: Alperen Sengun

Nuggets

PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Bruce Brown | SF: Spencer Jones | SF: Cameron Johnson | C: Nikola Jokic

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Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets betting tips

The Rockets have had no answer with Nikola Jokic this season. He is averaging over 32.5 ppg on 51.1% shooting, including 52.9% from deep. Jokic likely eases past his 29.5 (O/U) points prop.

After getting badly outplayed by Jokic in the first encounter, Alperen Sengun bounced back in the rematch. The Turkish international put up 33 points on 51.9% shooting in his second showdown with the Serbian.

Expect Sengun to blow past his 22.5 (O/U) points prop against Denver.

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Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets prediction

The Houston Rockets, who have been on the road since mid-December, are struggling a bit. They are 3-4 this month after entering this December with a 13-4 mark.

The Rockets play the Denver Nuggets well, but unless proven otherwise, Jokic and Co. have been better in the clutch. Denver is likely to defend its home floor against Houston in another seesaw battle.

Edited by Michael Macasero