Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 12/15/25, 6:06 PM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 12/16/25 at 12:30 AM in NBA Picks

The Houston Rockets head to Ball Arena tonight for a high-profile Western Conference showdown against the Denver Nuggets, and this matchup has all the ingredients of a playoff-style battle. These are two of the top teams in the conference, separated by only two wins in the standings, and both arrive with strong recent form and plenty at stake. With momentum on both sides, this game should offer a clear measuring stick for where each team truly stands.

Houston has been one of the biggest surprises in the league so far. Sitting at 16-6, the Rockets have paired elite defensive effort with one of the most productive offenses in the NBA. They have won 11 of their last 14 games and six of their last eight, showing an ability to handle both tight finishes and more comfortable wins. Their most recent outing was a narrow 115-113 victory over the Clippers on Thursday, a game that was not always convincing but still demonstrated composure late. Over their last ten games, Houston is 7-3 while averaging 120.6 points per game and allowing just 110.4, a combination that places them among the league's most balanced teams.

Denver, meanwhile, remains a proven contender and enters this game at 18-6. The Nuggets have won six of their last eight games overall and are riding a four-game winning streak after dismantling the Kings 136-105 on the road Thursday. That blowout win highlighted Denver's offensive ceiling when everything clicks. However, there is an unusual wrinkle in their recent success. All four wins during this streak have come away from home. At Ball Arena, the Nuggets are dealing with a four-game home losing streak and will be eager to reestablish their dominance in Denver.