The Houston Rockets are gearing up to battle the Denver Nuggets tonight for the third time this season, seeking redemption after two challenging earlier matchups. The Nuggets have emerged victorious in both previous encounters, with their latest triumph on Monday marked by a hard-fought overtime win, driven primarily by former three-time MVP Nikola Jokic despite being undermanned.
The Rockets, currently grappling with a two-game losing streak following a setback against the New Orleans Pelicans, are eager to turn their fortunes around. Their recent performance has dropped them to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, trailing behind the Nuggets, Spurs, and Lakers. A win tonight would be crucial for Houston as they aim to reclaim their standing in a highly competitive race for playoff positions.
As always, the injury report is pivotal in assessing the teams’ prospects heading into the game. For the Rockets, Tari Eason is out due to ongoing issues with his left leg, while Fred VanVleet is sidelined for the season after a torn ACL sustained during an offseason workout. Dorian Finney-Smith will also miss the game as he continues to recover from ankle surgery but is expected to return in early 2026.
On the Nuggets’ side, they will be missing crucial players as Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are both out with injuries. Their absence significantly impacts Denver’s depth, particularly as both players contribute substantially to the team’s overall performance alongside Jokic. Additionally, Peyton Watson is listed as questionable due to a trunk contusion, while the Nuggets have also ruled out several players assigned to the G League.
The matchup is set to tip off at 4 p.m. CT from Ball Arena in Denver, CO. With both teams dealing with injuries, it will be interesting to see how depth and strategy play a role in determining the outcome of this pivotal game for the Rockets. As fans look forward to the action, there’s hope that Houston can harness their determination and historical rivalries to come away with a critical victory.