The Houston Rockets (0-1) are in the Mile High City for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off against the Denver Nuggets (0-2) at Ball Arena. Below, we analyze the Rockets-Nuggets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Rockets at Nuggets: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:35 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockets +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Nuggets -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rockets +6.5 (-110) | Nuggets -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Rockets at Nuggets: Key Injuries
Rockets
- C DeMarcus Cousins (health and safety protocols) out
- PG John Wall (health and safety protocols) out
- SG Eric Gordon (health and safety protocols) out
- SG Ben McLemore (self-isolating) out
Nuggets
- C JaMychal Green (calf) out
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Rockets at Nuggets: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Nuggets 118, Rockets 114
Money line (ML)
The Rockets’ 128-126 overtime loss as 7.5-point road underdogs to the Portland Trail Blazers in their first outing was a solid performance, all things considered. They were without newly acquired former All-Stars Wall and Cousins and 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year Gordon.
Also, Houston is playing under a first-year head coach in Stephen Silas and everyone has heard about former MVP G James Harden’s request to be traded. Regardless, Harden came though on the basketball-side of things in the first game as The Beard went off for 44 points on 12-for-22 shooting with 17 assists. I don’t care how you get there, that stat line is absurd.
Denver is out to a disappointing 0-2 start after getting crushed 121-108 at home by the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day and losing to the Sacramento Kings Dec. 23 on a game-winning tip-in by G Buddy Hield as time expired. C Nikola Jokic’s 2020-21 stat line is almost as jaw-dropping as Harden’s; the Joker is averaging 26.5 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists through two games.
The Nuggets have beaten the Rockets in three consecutive games in Denver and you’d think there’s no way Denver falls to 0-3 on the season, especially at home. Still, I am going to PASS on this game because the Nuggets’ money line is too expensive and I’d rather bet the Rockets in the following markets.
Against the spread (ATS)
Again, Denver has a 3-game home winning streak over the Rockets, all by at least 7 points. Also, the Rockets have big names on the injury report, drama with The Beard and both organizations are trending in different directions.
All that is already baked into the line. I don’t know what Silas’ teams look like in the long run, but the Rockets were hitting shots this past Saturday vs. Portland and Harden looked pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Houston has covered the spread in eight of its last 11 games vs. Denver and there is more value on the road dogs in this game. I “LEAN” ROCKETS +6.5 (-110) for a half-unit because I like the total more.
Over/Under (O/U)
Even if Houston wins, covers, or flirts with both but ends up getting rolled, the Rockets should be able to score points. Denver’s best wing defender from last season—SF Jerami Grant—got paid by the Detroit Pistons and the Nuggets defense definitely isn’t its strength.
The Over has cashed in five straight Nuggets games dating back to last regular season and PG Jamal Murray has struggled out of the gate so far this season. GIMME OVER 222.5 (-110) for 1.5 units as the best play in Rockets-Nuggets.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Rockets at Nuggets: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, start time (Rockets Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Rockets | Nuggets
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