The Denver Nuggets (11-3) and Houston Rockets (10-3) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. EST from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
The Rockets are 2.5-point favorites over the Nuggets on the spread (Rockets -2.5), with the over/under set at 235 total points. Houston is a -135 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Denver is +115 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Nuggets vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Friday, November 21.
My Nuggets vs Rockets Prediction
- Nuggets vs Rockets pick: Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 Rebounds (-135)
My Rockets vs Nuggets best bet is on Nikola Jokic to record over 11.5 rebounds, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Nuggets vs Rockets Odds
| Nuggets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 235 -110o / -110u | +115 |
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 235 -110o / -110u | -135 |
Nuggets vs Rockets NBA Preview
The Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets haven't played yet this season, and this feels very "Game of the Night" ish.
The Nuggets are 11-3 on the year and recently had a seven-game winning streak snapped with a stunning home loss against the Bulls on Monday. They rebounded with a road win against the Pelicans, because what better way to get back on track?
The Rockets are 10-3, and like Denver, lost on opening night.
In fact, Houston began the year 0-2 before rattling off five straight wins before a loss in San Antonio. Since then, they've won five in a row… again.
In the NBA Cup table, both teams are 1-1, Denver with a +23 point differential and Houston at +13.
Houston also has a win over Portland, who defeated Denver, in the group.
Christian Braun (ankle) and Julian Strawther (back) will be out for this game. Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable.
Tari Eason (hip), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle surgery), and Fred VanVleet (ACL) are out for Houston. Jabari Smith Jr. (knee) and Steven Adams (ankle) are both questionable.
Nuggets vs Rockets Prediction, Betting Analysis
Nikola Jokic over 11.5 rebounds is my play. This was available at -115 on bet365 when I gave it out on Buckets, and about -135 now.
The number could climb to 12.5 before tipoff.
Houston is the best at limiting opposing rebounds at just over 38 per game.
But here's the thing — they haven't played Jokic and the Nuggets, who are second in rebounds per 100 possessions.
Plus, you'd think that if you're still allowing, say, 40 rebounds tonight, Jokic will have a healthy percentage of those for a team where no one else averages even seven boards per contest.
Jokic has gotten at least 12 boards in five of six and in 11 of 14 this season.
Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 Rebounds (-135)
