Rockets vs. Nuggets prediction, odds, pick, spread

These two teams are hot going into this matchup in Denver. The Rockets have been the surprise team all season, while the Nuggets are still one of the best teams in the Western Conference. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with predictions and picks for Rockets vs. Nuggets.

The Rockets were the biggest surprise team this year. They have a trio of outstanding scorers, including Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. The Rockets are a dangerous team this season and have a great opportunity to make some noise in the Western Conference. This would be a huge win for the Rockets against a team that has led nearly the entire Western Conference over the last few years.

The Nuggets were seen as the best team in the Western Conference last year and had high expectations this year. They are playing well despite a slow start this season. They have stars on the roster, such as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but need to find consistency; that’s the key. They come into this match red-hot and can make a big statement by saying that they are still a force in the Western Conference.

Here’s Rockets-Nuggets NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Rockets-Nuggets odds

Houston Rockets: +1 (-112)

Moneilines: +100

Denver Nuggets: -1 (-108)

Moneiline: -118

Over: 231.5 (-110)

Under: 231.5 (-110)

How to watch Rockets vs. Nuggets

Time: 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT

TV: Space City Home Network/Altitude Sports & Entertainment

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Rockets might cover the spread/win

The Rockets defense has been great this year. They are third in points allowed, with 107.3 per game, second in field goal defense, with 44.7%, and 14th in three-point defense, with 35.8% allowed from behind the arc. Alperen Sengun leads in rebounding, with 10.4 per game.

Three different Rockets are averaging at least one block, with Amen Thompson leading the team with 1.1 per game. On the defensive side of the ball, five Rockets are averaging one steal and Tari Eason leads the team with 1.9 steals per game. Considering how well they are playing, this defense is why the Rockets have gotten to this point in the year. This is the matchup of the game because the Nuggets have been one of the best offenses in the NBA.

The Nuggets defense was surprisingly underwhelming. They are 23rd in points allowed, at 116.1 per game, 14th in field goal defense, at 46.3%, and ninth in three-point defense, at 35.2% from behind the arc. Nikola Jokic leads in rebounds, with 13.2 per game, and is among the top three rebounders in the entire NBA. On the low end, only one player is averaging at least one block, with Watson averaging 1.1 per game.

Their strength is on-ball defense, with four Nuggets averaging at least one steal per game. Nikola Jokić is the leader in this category with 1.8 per game. Jokic does everything for the Nuggets and is the biggest key on defense as much as offense. The Rockets have been okay on offense at best, but they should score in a lackluster unit.

Why the Nuggets could cover the spread/win

The Rockets offense has been inconsistent as a unit this season. They are 12th in scoring at 113.3 points per game, 27th in field goal percentage at 44.5% and 28th in three-point percentage. Seven players are averaging more than double figures this season, with Jaylen Green leading the way with 21 points per game.

Then, Fred VanVleet leads in assists with six per game. The offense will come down to Alperen Sengun, Green and Fred VanVleet as a core trio that can score consistently. They have a decent matchup in this game against a Nuggets defense that has struggled to play well all year. The Rockets should find some success on this side of the court.

The Nuggets offense has been great this season. They are third in scoring with 120.4 points per game, second in field goal percentage with 49.9%, and fourth in three-point percentage with 37.8%. Six Nuggets have scored in double figures this season. Nikola Jokic averages 31.2 points and 9.8 assists per game and leads in both. The offense revolves around Jokic and he should be available in this game.

Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are the two best players besides Jokic. They should help bolster a red-hot offense that can score against a Rockets defense that is excellent in its own right. Expect the Nuggets to excel on this side of the court in this game.

Rockets-Nuggets final prediction and pick

The Nuggets need this win more, and I think they will get it. They have Jokic and Murray back for this game, and they are a better overall team than Houston. This offense is one of the best in the NBA, and I think they show that at home. The Nuggets win and cover easily.

Final prediction and pick Rockets-Nuggets: Denver Nuggets -1 (-108)