It is not yet time for the Houston Rockets to panic.
They still sit fifth in the West with the third-highest point differential, but Houston has lost three of its last four, including one to these very same Denver Nuggets.
My Rockets vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks expect Houston’s struggles to worsen at tip at 5 ET on Saturday, December 20.
Rockets vs Nuggets prediction
Rockets vs Nuggets best bet: Nuggets moneyline (+100)
The Houston Rockets offense has struggled in clutch moments this year, the No. 15 offensive rating by the NBA’s definition of clutch minutes. The greater concern might be that the Rockets have been in clutch minutes in 13 games already this season despite having played only 24 to date.
The same things can all be said of the Denver Nuggets, with the No. 14 offensive rating in clutch minutes in 10 games despite having played only 26 to date. Then again, that latter ratio is significantly less concerning.
But mostly, when it comes to two offenses bogged down in the clutch, which would you trust more?
Yes, Houston has one of the best shotmakers of all time in Kevin Durant, but the Rockets struggle to incorporate him in the moments that matter most. Just this week in an overtime loss to the Nuggets, Durant went only 1-of-4 for three points in nearly 15 minutes of fourth quarter and overtime action.
Denver can get into the clutch against almost anyone, and that is meant as a compliment to the Nuggets’ floor on a night-to-night basis. Once in the clutch, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray demand more faith than this Rockets roster does.
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Rockets vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Durant fit in Houston was always a little odd given the Rockets’ offense already ran through a ball-dominant player thriving in the post. Durant’s midrange game overlaps a bit too much with Alperen Sengun’s shotmaking and vision.
So far, Sengun has gotten the priority, which may make more sense than some people want to give it. He is a vastly underrated player who poured in 33 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 42 minutes against the Nuggets earlier this week, including going 7-of-12 for 17 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Rockets vs Nuggets SGP
- Nuggets moneyline
- Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points
- Alperen Sengun Over 22.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Get your groove on, Murray!
There are few more enjoyable things in the NBA than watching Jamal Murray score when he is in a groove, and he is in a groove these days.
The Nuggets need that, being without both Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Murray has scored at least 32 points in three of his last four games and cleared this prop in five of his last seven.
Rockets vs Nuggets SGP
- Nuggets moneyline
- Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points
- Alperen Sengun Over 22.5 points
- Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
Rockets vs Nuggets odds
- Spread: Rockets -1 | Nuggets +1
- Moneyline: Rockets -120 | Nuggets +100
- Over/Under: Over 235 | Under 235
Rockets vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Rockets have gone 0-4 against the spread in their last four games, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 11.25 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Rockets vs Nuggets
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Saturday, December 20, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBA TV |
Rockets vs Nuggets latest injuries
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