Houston (26-12) at Denver (23-15)
- When: Jan 15 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: SCHN
Game Preview
Denver enters Wednesday night as a 1.5-point favorite with a total set at 230.5 in what promises to be a Western Conference showdown between the surging Nuggets and the ascending Houston Rockets.
The Rockets, currently riding a four-game winning streak, have taken the league by storm with their balanced attack. After a narrow 120-118 comeback win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, Houston sits second in the conference with a 26-12 record. Head coach Ime Udoka praised his team’s resilience but emphasized there’s still room for improvement.
The Rockets’ offense thrives on depth, with seven players averaging double figures. Jalen Green leads the scoring with 21 points per game, while Alperen Sengun is a nightly double-double threat, posting 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds. Fred VanVleet adds veteran leadership and 15 points per game.
On the other side, the Nuggets are fresh off a dominant two-game sweep in Dallas, capped by a 118-99 victory on Tuesday night. Jamal Murray exploded for a season-high 45 points, including 32 in the first half, reminding everyone why he’s a game-changer when hot. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic added another triple-double—his 16th of the season—with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jokic’s season stats are staggering: 30.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game.
Game Outlook:
Denver’s offense runs through Jokic, but when Murray is playing at this level, the Nuggets are nearly unstoppable. Their current four-game winning streak has propelled them to nine games above .500, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into their only home matchup against Houston this season.
Houston has historically fared well against Denver, winning three of their four meetings last season. However, the Nuggets’ dominance at Ball Arena this season cannot be overlooked, and with Murray hitting his stride, Denver has the tools to end the Rockets’ hot streak.
Predictions and Best Bets:
Prediction: Denver 119, Houston 114
Spread Bet: Nuggets -1.5 – Denver’s home-court advantage and Murray’s resurgence give them the edge in a tight game.
Total Points Bet: Over 230.5 – Both teams are in offensive rhythm, and this matchup features multiple high-volume scorers. Expect a fast-paced game.
Player Props:
Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 Assists: Jokic thrives in matchups like this where he can control the tempo and find his teammates.
Jamal Murray Over 25.5 Points: After his 45-point eruption, Murray’s confidence is sky-high. Look for him to stay aggressive.
Alperen Sengun Over 9.5 Rebounds: Sengun has been a force on the boards and will need to be active against Denver’s bigs to keep Houston competitive.
This matchup will likely be a close contest, but the Nuggets’ combination of star power and home-court consistency should be enough to secure the win and cover. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ balanced attack could make them an appealing live bet if they keep it close heading into the final quarter.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
