The Houston Rockets visit the Denver Nuggets on Monday, December 15, at 9:30 PM ET, aiming to build on a 16-6 record while facing Denver’s 18-6 squad at Ball Arena. Both teams have recent wins, with the Nuggets on a four-game streak and the Rockets coming off a narrow victory against the Clippers.
Houston will be without Fred VanVleet (right knee; ACL repair) and Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle; surgery). Tari Eason is listed as questionable with a right oblique strain.
The Rockets’ offense has been powered by Kevin Durant, averaging 24.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and Alperen Sengun, contributing 23.0 points and 9.4 rebounds. Amen Thompson adds 17.5 points and 7.1 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. provides 15.4 points and 6.6 boards.
Denver will be missing Aaron Gordon (right hamstring; strain) and Christian Braun (left ankle; sprain), while two-way players Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones are out. Julian Strawther is questionable with a lower back issue.
Nikola Jokic continues to lead Denver, averaging 29.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. Jamal Murray contributes 24.4 points and 6.9 assists, while Cameron Johnson adds 11.3 points. These performances are key as Denver looks to maintain momentum after wins over Sacramento (136-105) and Phoenix (130-112).
This matchup marks the second meeting this season, following Denver’s 112-109 win over Houston in NBA Cup on November 21.
