Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 12/11/2023, 06:03  by Joseph King | Modified on 12/11/2023 at 06:46 in NBA Predictions

A Western Conference clash in the NBA sees the first-place Denver Nuggets heading to Texas to take on the fourth-place Rockets. The defending champion Nuggets have come storming out of the gates as they begin their title defense. Denver has already amassed the best record in the NBA with eight wins and just one loss which includes a perfect six wins from six at home. The visitors come into this game with a lengthy four days of rest with their last outing ending in a 108-105 win over the Warriors last Wednesday. This will be Denver’s third complete game without the services of point guard Jamal Murray. The 26-year-old went down with a hamstring strain against the Bulls which will likely keep him out for the remainder of the month. The Nuggets haven’t struggled much in his absence, winning their last two games while averaging 121 points.

The Rockets have been one of the surprises of the season so far. Despite starting the campaign with three straight losses, they’ve since turned things around and now sit fourth in the conference with a 5-3 record. It’s quite the turnaround for a team that finished tied with the Spurs for the worst record in the conference last season. The addition of veterans such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks has added much needed discipline and leadership to the squad. Houston comes into this matchup against the defending champions off the back of a thrilling 104-101 comeback win against the Pelicans. The victory was Houston’s fifth in a row and sees them tied with the Timberwolves for the second longest current active winning streak. This is the last of a massive seven game home stand before a lengthy five day rest before taking on the Clippers in Los Angeles.