Outside of their near 30-point loss to the Mavericks on November 18, in which the Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic. Denver has remained competitive through the early part of the 2022-23 NBA season and currently holds the second-best record in the Western Conference at 12-7. As a result, the Nuggets enter tonight’s matchup as heavy favorites against an explosive young Houston Rockets team.
It’s easy to shrug off the Rockets as being nothing more than a rebuilding franchise with a few exciting young prospects. However, they’ve thrown together some impressive performances as of late that should have any title contender at least slightly concerned, including a narrow 128-122 victory over the 11-9 Atlanta Hawks just a few nights ago.
Michael Malone’s squad has managed one of the better records through the first 19 games of the regular season, a few of which were without key players in the rotation. Although, they could be underestimating a red-hot Rockets team that appears to travel well, having just knocked off Dallas on the road last Wednesday.
Will the Nuggets’ supporting cast help to keep the game out of reach? Or will the lethal offensive trio of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter, and Alperen Sengun be too much for Denver to handle?
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook have Denver as -11.5 favorites against the spread with the squad -108 (bet $108 to win $100) to cover. The Rockets are +450 on the moneyline while the Nuggets check in at -600. The over-under for this game is currently set at 228.5.
Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup Tonight
G – Jamal Murray – No. 27
G – Caldwell-Pope – No. 5
F – Bruce Brown – No. 11
F – Aaron Gordon – No. 50
C – Nikola Jokic – No. 15
With MPJ likely to miss tonight’s game, expect Bruce Brown to step in as his replacement.
Nuggets Injury Report
Michael Porter Jr. (heel contusion) is being listed as doubtful to play along with Bones Hyland (non-COVID illness), who missed the team shootaround this morning. Jeff Green is officially out with a knee injury.
Nuggets officially list Michael Porter Jr. as doubtful Monday vs. Rockets. I’d be surprised if he played — it would be the third-straight game that he’s missed. He was questionable heading into Denver’s last two games. Bones Hyland is questionable for tomorrow. Jeff Green is out.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) November 27, 2022
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets Prediction
The Houston Rockets struggled through the first quarter of the regular season but have now won back-to-back games thanks to balanced scoring contributions from all five of their starters. In their last win over the Thunder, all starters finished with 15 or more points, and then against the Hawks, four players eclipsed 20 points, including a 30-point performance from Jalen Green. The Rockets have been explosive, efficient, and exciting to watch, unfortunately, they’re still not the Denver Nuggets.
Having won three of their last four games, all of which were on the road, this feels like Denver’s game to lose regardless of who plays and who doesn’t. Not having the elite perimeter and mid-range shooting provided by Michael Porter Jr., and Bones Hyland is going to be difficult to manage. However, players like Vlatko Cancar and Bruce Brown have stepped up lately in admirable fashion, and we should expect much of the same tonight.
Denver would be foolish to underestimate Houston, but fans should feel confident hammering the Nuggets to win at home on Monday night.
Nuggets 118, Rockets 111
What channel is the Denver Nuggets game on?
Monday’s game will be broadcast at 7:00 p.m. MST/8:00 p.m. CST on AltitudeTV for Mile High residents as well as NBA TV and NBALeague Pass for all American audiences.
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets Live Stream
If you’re looking for a live stream, check out FuboTV for a free trial!
Nuggets’ Next Game and Upcoming Schedule
Denver will face off against Houston once more at home on Wednesday night before kicking off their December road trip against the Hawks and Pelicans later this week.
Nov. 30 vs. Houston
Dec. 2 @ Atlanta
Dec. 4 @ New Orleans
Dec. 6 vs. Dallas
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.