Quick Preview: Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets
Wednesday evening starts the three-game regular-season series versus the Houston Rockets. Denver Nuggets have quite the task, despite being at home.
Coming into Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets stand proudly with an 11-3 record. However, the Denver Nuggets are no slouch at 9-3, right behind the Rockets in the Western Conference standings. Despite a sluggish start from its franchise player, Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets refuse to flop in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets is an elite matchup.
Sadly, early in the season, the MVP-hopeful Jokic isn’t putting up the elite numbers from his 2018-2019 campaign. Withstanding Jokic’s subpar basic counting stats, the Nuggets look to build on its winning streak by besting a Rockets team on an impressive early-season run. However, even with the altitude advantage, Houston gives Denver its first litmus test.
Tonight, although not a season-defining contest, could make a difference down the road in regards to season tiebreakers. The Rockets tout an eight-game winning streak, with the Los Angeles Clippers as the significant victory. According to Basketball-Reference, Houston is seventh in the league pertaining to the margin of victory at 5.79 points.
Ultimately, entertainment is the name of the game, and tonight has the potential for a top-10 contest of the season. As NBA fans, we are spoiled.
Beware of James Harden
A ridiculous statistic of the season sees the Nuggets as a 7th ranked defensive squad, whereas the offense is below average at 18th in the league. It’s odd envisioning a Jokic led unit as a below-average offensive team, but here we are. However, in favor of tonight’s matchup with the Rockets, the defensive strengths bode well for the Nuggets.
Despite some dud shooting performances in the infancy of the season, James Harden is picking up steam. The former MVP leads the league in total points, with an impressive 148 point advantage over second place. Don’t expect one player to contain Harden, frankly speaking, slowing down Harden isn’t an easy task for any player. Look for the Nuggets to collectively guard Harden.
Even casual fans know Harden is a free throw hunter. Unfortunately, the Nuggets best player is prone to foul trouble. Jokic leads the Nuggets in fouls committed with 3.4 per contest. Furthermore, Denver can’t afford for their most dynamic player to sit on the bench for the majority of the game.
Thankfully, for Denver, the Rockets are isolation focused, so the threat of catching Jokic in the pick-and-roll crossfire isn’t as likely. Still, Harden will get to the rim and force Jokic to defend under the basket, especially considering Clint Capela has no business at the perimeter. As risky as it sounds, the Nuggets are better off forcing Harden into shooting the three-ball.
Working the Assignment
Capela is back on track as the quality starting center in Houston. Still, despite the rebounding numbers and the early block numbers, pales in comparison to the dynamic playstyle of Jokic. If the Nuggets focus Jokic on the perimeter as a creator, thus keeping Capela away from the rim, Houston has a problem.
Although Jokic isn’t up to par in regards to individual performance, there is no doubt he still is capable of putting in a show. As a persistent presence, Houston won’t allow Capela’s exile from the paint but don’t expect a dominating stat line from the center. Still, the layered playstyle of Jokic is bound to trip up Capela.
Engaging in some quick pick-and-roll action between Murray and Jokic is another strategy for the Nuggets to consider. Houston can’t afford for Jokic to get locked in as a creator. The Nuggets are bound to shift the momentum in the Western Conference with a win tonight.
When and Where
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets can be found on Altitude Sports and NBA League Pass. The start time is 8 pm central.