Even though the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets have both clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference, they both are trying to improve their playoff position.
Denver comes into the game in a first place tie with the Golden State Warriors, while the Rockets are battling with the Portland Trail Blazers for third place. There is no doubt that each team is trying to position themselves to stay away from the Golden State Warriors for as long as possible.
Houston has won nine of the last ten games against the Denver Nuggets.
Denver comes into this game having won six of their last seven contests to improve their record to 50-23. The Nuggets have been much worse away from home this season, posting a 19-17 record through their first 36 road games. Denver has a four game lead over the Trail Blazers in the Northwest Division, but they have their eyes on the top seed. Houston has gone just 2-2 in their last four games, and have lost some games in the standing. The Rockets bring a 47-28 record into this game, and should get home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
The Houston Rockets are -5.5 over the Denver Nuggets in this game.
Denver isn’t one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, but they do have one of the best players in the league on their side. Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of sensational since coming into the NBA, and has done all he can to keep the Nuggets near the top of the Western Conference. “The Joker” leads the team with 20.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per night, and should be able to have his way with the Rockets in this game. Teams have tried to find ways to slow him down since he came into the league, but there just aren’t many players like him.
The Nuggets are one of the best defensive teams in the league, and that will be a real key in this game. Denver is holding opponents to 106.8 points per game, and they will do their best to slow down the Rockets in this one. Gary Harris and Paul Millsap will likely spend time trying to stop James Harden, but the Nuggets get the job done with a team defensive effort. Point guard Jamal Murray is also having the best season in his young career, pouring in 18.1 points per game while shooting 37 percent from the three-point line.
Not many teams have been able to stop James Harden this season, but the Milwaukee Bucks figured out a way to at least slow him down earlier this week. Harden managed to score just 23 points in that loss to Milwaukee, which is more than 13 points less than his season average. Look for the reigning MVP to try to force things and put up a big number on offense in this game. The Rockets managed just 94 points in that loss to the Bucks, and they struggle if Harden doesn’t have a big night.
Houston has been improving on defense throughout the season, and are allowing just 109.7 points per game. Center Clint Capela is a big reason for this improvement as he is the anchor for the Rockets on defense. The young center is averaging 12.5 rebounds per game, while recording 1.5 blocks per contest. No one will confuse the Rockets of being a great defensive team, but they aren’t horrible either.
The Houston Rockets will try to speed this game up, while Denver is comfortable winning this game with their defense. The Nuggets have had a terrific season, but they still aren’t ready to beat the top teams in the league. Look for Harden and the Rockets to have a huge bounce back game in this one.
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