Denver (44-27) at Houston (46-25)
- When: Mar 23 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX, USA
- TV: SCHN
Game Preview
Spread: Houston -7.5 | Total: 224.5
Houston Rockets Outlook
The Rockets (46-25) are playing their best basketball of the season, entering Sunday’s matchup on a nine-game win streak. Sitting two games ahead of Denver for the second seed in the West, Houston has a chance to not only extend its lead but also lock up the season series.
Fred VanVleet lit up the scoreboard in Friday’s win over Miami, dropping 37 points and hitting a season-high nine three-pointers. It was his breakout game since returning from injury, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Amen Thompson made an immediate impact in his return from a six-game absence, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and a career-best seven steals. His two-way ability gave Houston a huge boost, and he’s expected to be a key factor again Sunday.
The Rockets are healthy, confident, and peaking at the right time—clearly a dangerous combination heading into a playoff push.
Denver Nuggets Outlook
The Nuggets (44-27) haven’t looked like themselves since the All-Star break. They’ve gone just 8-8 in that span and are now barely hanging on to the No. 3 seed in the West. Their latest performance—a 128-109 loss to the Trail Blazers—raised serious concerns.
Playing without Nikola Jokic (ankle) for the third straight game, Denver struggled on both ends. They gave up 54% shooting to Portland, were dominated in the paint (64 points allowed), and surrendered 26 second-chance points off 15 offensive boards. Add 21 turnovers to the mix, and it was a brutal showing.
The road trip wraps up in Houston, and the Nuggets know they can’t afford to keep sliding. With just a slim lead over the teams chasing them in the standings, Denver is running out of margin for error.
Betting Prediction & Picks
This matchup heavily favors Houston. The Rockets are surging, while the Nuggets look sluggish and uncertain without their MVP. Houston’s home-court advantage and defensive edge give them the upper hand.
Look for the Rockets to keep the momentum rolling and cover the spread.
Final Score Prediction:
Rockets 116, Nuggets 104
Best Bet: Rockets -7.5
Lean: Under 224.5
Top Player Prop Picks
Fred VanVleet (HOU): Over 24.5 points
Amen Thompson (HOU): Over 6.5 rebounds
Aaron Gordon (DEN): Over 7.5 rebounds
Expect Houston’s backcourt to lead the way and the defense to frustrate Denver throughout. Take the Rockets to win and cover, with a lean to the Over if Jokic sits again.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
