Rockets vs Nuggets: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets

Date & Time: Wednesday, 22nd January 2020, 8:00 PM ET (Thursday, 1:00 AM GMT)

Venue: Toyota Center, Houston

Preview

Denver’s trip to Houston on Wednesday is the second of their three-game road trip. Their last game was finished as a win against Minnesota Timberwolves. In the 107-100 win, Nikola Jokic finished with a double-double, registering 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Jokic has been influential for the Nuggets this season. After a below-par start to the season, Jokic improved his performances with his current numbers reading 19.4 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Denver will be looking forward to their big man to deliver on a big night.

In the Denver’s in over Wolves, Michael Porter jr. also registered a double-double in the game with 20 points and 14 rebounds. The win was the third in their last four games.

As for the Rockets, they have lost their last four games and won just four out of their last 10. They are currently sixth in the Western Conference with 26-16 record. The Rockets have been led by James Harde, who is the highest in the league in scoring. He is averaging 36.9 points, 7.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game and is one of the contenders for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Injury updates and team news

Houston Rockets-

Injuries: Austin Rivers (Thumb)- Questionable, Nene (Hip)- Out, Gerald Green (Foot)- Out

Expected starting line-up: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Ben McLemore, PJ Tucker and Clint Capela

Denver Nuggets

Injuries: Jamal Murray (Ankle)- Out, Mason Plumlee (Ankle)- Out, Paul Milsap (Knee)- Out, Gary Harris (Foot)- Out, Bol Bol (Foot)- Out

Expected starting line-up: Monte Morris, Torrey Craig, Will Barton, Jerami Grant and Nikola Jokic

Predictions

Denver Nuggets are one of the best teams defensively in the league. The Rockets have been struggling for consistency and efficiency in scoring off late. Also, Denver have been in a better run of form. Although the Rocket will be playing at home, they might struggle to win over the Nuggets defence.