The Houston Rockets (26-12) travel to face off against the Denver Nuggets (24-15) on Wednesday, January 15th. This game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver and televised on SCHN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 9:00 ET.
Rockets vs Nuggets
The Rockets Are Coming Off A Win
The Rockets improved to 26-12 on the season with a 120-118 win over the Grizzlies on Monday. Houston was favored by 2.5 points but didn’t cover the spread, winning by just two. The total score of 238 points went over the pre-game line of 233.5.
Houston’s 10-0 run helped them take control, turning an 18-14 deficit into a 24-18 lead. After trailing 92-87 going into the 4th quarter, the Rockets outscored the Grizzlies 33-26 in the final period to secure the win at home.
The Nuggets Are Coming Off A Win
The Nuggets improved to 24-15 on the season with a 118-99 win over the Mavericks on Tuesday. Denver, favored by 2.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total points of 217 fell short of the 235-point O/U line.
Denver took control early, outscoring Dallas 36-21 in the 1st quarter and 35-24 in the 2nd. A 12-0 run helped the Nuggets pull away, and they led 91-67 going into the 4th quarter, where the Mavericks outscored them 32-27.
Rockets Offense Breakdown
Jalen Green’s 42-point performance, shooting 72.2% from the field and hitting 5 threes at an 83.3% clip, led the Rockets to a win over the Grizzlies. Houston connected on 16 threes, shooting 51.6% from deep and 50.6% overall.
Amen Thompson added 19 points and 13 rebounds, scoring 12 points in the 4th quarter. Green was consistent throughout, scoring 10 or more points in every quarter.
Nuggets Offense Breakdown
Jamal Murray’s 45-point performance powered the Nuggets to a 118-99 win over the Mavericks, shooting 69.2% from the field and hitting 5 threes at 55.6%. He scored 19 points in the 1st quarter and added 13 more in the 2nd.
As a team, Denver shot 51.8% from the field and connected on 13 threes at a 44.8% rate. Michael Porter Jr. added 13 points, hitting 3 threes at 75%, while Nikola Jokic contributed a 10-point, 14-rebound, 10-assist triple-double.
Rockets Team Defense
Despite giving up 118 points, the Rockets’ defense tightened up in the 4th quarter, allowing just 26 points to help secure the win over the Grizzlies. Houston gave up 30 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters and 32 in the 3rd. Memphis shot 53% from the field.
From three-point range, the Grizzlies hit 14 threes at a 43% clip. The Rockets sent Memphis to the line 21 times, where they made 14 free throws. Houston allowed 8 offensive rebounds while recording 13 steals and 8 blocks.
Nuggets Team Defense
Even with a shaky defensive performance, the Rockets managed to hold off the Grizzlies, giving up 118 points on 53% shooting. They allowed 30 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters and 32 in the 3rd, but tightened up in the 4th, allowing 26 points.
From beyond the arc, Houston allowed Memphis to hit 14 threes at a 43% clip. The Grizzlies also went 14/21 from the free-throw line. The Rockets finished with 25 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and recorded 13 steals and 8 blocks.
Rockets vs Nuggets Trends
- In their last ten games away from home, the Rockets have a straight up record of 7-3 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 114 points per game in these contests.
- Through their last ten home contests, the Nuggets offense has averaged 122 points per game while allowing an average of 115. Denver posted an overall record of 7-3 while going 6-4 ATS.
- The Nuggets have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
- Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Rockets have a strong record of 4-1. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 2-3.
Rockets vs Nuggets Prediction
Coming in as the underdogs at +1.5, we have the Nuggets as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 231.5 and our model has the Rockets and Nuggets finishing with a combined 244 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 15, 2025 Nuggets, Rockets