Nuggets at Rockets: Saturday’s lineups, injury reports, broadcast and stream info

Denver enters Saturday’s game at Houston with a short-handed roster and coming off a postponement, but they still have MVP Nikola Jokic — which makes them a formidable foe for the Rockets.

The Houston Rockets will begin 2022 on New Year’s Day in a very similar manner to how they ended 2021: Welcoming a health-ravaged opponent to Toyota Center. This time, it’s the Denver Nuggets, who are coming off a postponement due a lack of available players.

Fortunately, barring a late increase in positive COVID-19 test results, the Nuggets have signed enough players to temporary hardship contracts that Saturday’s game should go forward.

Even though the Rockets have superior depth, given current health and injury lists, Denver is likely to be favored for one big reason: Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is healthy and ready to go.

It also remains to be seen how Stephen Silas will navigate back-to-back considerations, since the Rockets also played on New Year’s Eve in a home loss to Miami. Earlier in the week, Houston rested guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green for half of a back-to-back, since each is coming off a leg injury that sidelined them for multiple weeks.

Then again, perhaps this back-to-back is different, since both games are in Houston (meaning no in-between travel) and both young guards have improved their conditioning since making their initial returns. Silas indicated Friday he was hopeful of having Green and Porter available for both ends of this back-to-back, but that a final determination would not be made until evaluating them on Saturday.

Houston Rockets report card: Player grades from Saturday’s loss at Nuggets

Houston led by 5 points late, but Denver’s Aaron Gordon hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the final two minutes to win the game by a point.

For a third consecutive game, the young Houston Rockets led well into the second half, on the road against a perceived Western Conference contender. But for a third straight time, they couldn’t close it out, and they’re now 1-8 on the season with seven consecutive losses.

After taking a 94-89 lead into the final two minutes, Aaron Gordon connected on back-to-back 3-pointers as the host Denver Nuggets (5-4) rallied to Saturday’s 95-94 victory (box score). Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic collected a game-high 28 points and 14 rebounds.

Daniel Theis (18 points, 66.7% FG) led the Rockets in scoring and hit a big 3-pointer to put his team up by 5 points with 2:46 left. Unfortunately, that was the last point that Houston would score. Jae’Sean Tate had his last-second attempt at a potential winning shot blocked by Jokic.

“We needed this,” Theis said in a deflated postgame interview. “We worked so hard, and we still end up losing.”

See below for highlights from Saturday’s game, and read on for our assessment of individual Houston performances. Grades are limited to players who had clear rotation minutes, since anything less wouldn’t represent a sufficient enough sample to evaluate. Grades are also decided relative to a player’s average performance — in other words, the standard for Christian Wood is higher than for David Nwaba.

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Michael Porter Jr. shoots Nuggets past Kelly Olynyk, short-handed Rockets

Houston was on the second night of a split back-to-back, and they had more players listed as out (nine) than available to play (eight).

Michael Porter Jr. scored a career-high 39 points on 8-of-12 shooting from 3-point range (66.7%) as the Nuggets routed the undermanned Houston Rockets on Saturday night in Denver, 129-116 (box score). MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic added 24 points and 12 assists.

Forwards Kelly Olynyk (21 points, 11 assists), D.J. Wilson (25 points) and Anthony Lamb (21 points) all broke the 20-point mark for the Rockets. For Wilson and Lamb, those scoring totals were career-highs.

With Saturday’s result, the Nuggets (39-21) held their position at No. 4 in the Western Conference, while the Rockets (15-46) retain the NBA’s worst record. In addition to the clear talent mismatch, Houston was dealing with a range of injury and fatigue issues after playing Friday at home in a surprisingly close game versus the Los Angeles Clippers.

As expected, the Rockets were severely short-handed in the aftermath, with Christian Wood (right ankle), John Wall (maintenance), Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols), DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), David Nwaba (right wrist), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), and Avery Bradley (illness) all unavailable. In total, Houston had a much longer list of injured players (10) than of available options (seven).

See below for a roundup of Saturday’s highlights and postgame reaction. Houston returns to action on Tuesday at home versus Minnesota. Wall and Porter should both return by then, but the status of the others is unclear. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.

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Rockets at Nuggets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

In the last meeting, Nikola Jokic made a strong MVP statement with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists in only 27 minutes at Houston.

The young and rebuilding Houston Rockets are coming off consecutive losses to two of the Western Conference’s top four teams by record (Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers), and the schedule doesn’t get any easier with Saturday’s visit to Denver — another top-four squad.

The Nuggets (39-20) routed the Rockets (15-45) just eight days ago in Houston. In that game, All-Star center Nikola Jokic bolstered his MVP case by recording 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 27 minutes played. On Saturday, he’ll try to repeat the feat at high altitude.

Both teams could be weary and jetlagged in Saturday’s rematch, since they’re each on a back-to-back in two different time zones. Denver played at Golden State late Friday, while the Rockets hosted the Clippers. Houston will likely be without veteran floor general John Wall, since he played Friday and typically rests one game in back-to-back scenarios.

In addition, Christian Wood expressed skepticism after Friday’s loss regarding his potential availability in Denver. Wood has dealt with nagging ankle and leg injuries throughout the 2020-21 season.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Nuggets -13.5
  • Money line: Nuggets -900 / Rockets +600
  • Over-under: 220.5
  • Player scoring props: Nikola Jokic 25.5, Michael Porter Jr. 21.5, Aaron Gordon 12.5, Facundo Campazzo 8.5; Houston TBD

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Since both teams played Friday night, neither team is required to issue an official injury report until midday Saturday. However, Houston’s should be quite long, as usual. Based on prior reports, Wall, Wood, Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), David Nwaba (right wrist) are all expected to be out. Avery Bradley (illness) sat out Friday, and his status for Saturday is unclear.

Denver’s injury report on Friday was much less extensive, with only two players listed on it. However, one of those is star guard Jamal Murray, who is out for the 2020-21 season with a torn left ACL. Monte Morris was also out due to a right hamstring strain. Will Barton is likely unavailable, as well, since he suffered his own hamstring injury on Friday.

Advice and prediction

The Nuggets should win Saturday’s game, since they’re clearly the better team. However, the margin is hard to project, given the fatigue and injury issues. The best play might be the under, since both teams are short-handed and likely to run into tired legs on second-half jump shots.

Prediction: Nuggets 112, Rockets 97

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Rockets at Nuggets: Saturday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info

John Wall is out for planned maintenance, while Christian Wood indicated after Friday’s game that he would likely be unavailable, as well.

The young and rebuilding Houston Rockets are coming off consecutive losses to two of the Western Conference’s top four teams by record (Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers), and the schedule doesn’t get any easier with Saturday’s visit to Denver — another top-four squad.

The Nuggets (38-21) routed the Rockets (15-45) just eight days ago in Houston. In that game, All-Star center Nikola Jokic bolstered his MVP case by recording 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 27 minutes played. On Saturday, he’ll try to repeat the feat at high altitude.

Both teams could be weary and jetlagged in Saturday’s rematch, since they’re each on a back-to-back in two different time zones. Denver played at Golden State late Friday, while the Rockets hosted the Clippers. Houston will likely be without veteran floor general John Wall, since he played Friday and typically rests one game in back-to-back scenarios.

In addition, Christian Wood expressed skepticism after Friday’s loss regarding his potential availability in Denver. Wood has dealt with nagging ankle and leg injuries throughout the 2020-21 season.

Here’s when you should tune in to see Saturday’s game:

  • Date: Saturday, April 24
  • Time: 9 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets (15-45)

  • Guard: Armoni Brooks
  • Guard: Danuel House Jr.
  • Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
  • Forward: KJ Martin
  • Center: Kelly Olynyk

Denver Nuggets (39-20)

  • Guard: Facundo Campazzo
  • Guard: PJ Dozier
  • Forward: Michael Porter Jr.
  • Forward: Aaron Gordon
  • Center: Nikola Jokic

Since both teams played Friday night, neither team is required to issue an official injury report until midday Saturday. However, Houston’s should be quite long, as usual. Based on prior reports, Wall (maintenance), Kevin Porter Jr. (health and safety protocols) DJ Augustin (left ankle), Sterling Brown (left knee), Dante Exum (right calf), Eric Gordon (right groin), David Nwaba (right wrist), and Wood are expected to be out.

Denver’s injury report on Friday was much less extensive, with only two players listed on it. However, one of those is star guard Jamal Murray, who is out for the 2020-21 season with a torn left ACL. Monte Morris was also out on Friday due to a right hamstring strain. Will Barton is likely unavailable, since he injured his hamstring on Friday.

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Nikola Jokic outduels Christian Wood as Nuggets rout Rockets

Jokic (29 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists) showed why he’s an MVP frontrunner as Denver cruised to Friday’s 128-99 victory in Houston.

All-Star center Nikola Jokic (29 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists) showed why he’s an MVP frontrunner on Friday at Toyota Center, leading the Denver Nuggets to a decisive 128-99 win (box score) in Houston.

The Rockets were led by frontcourt starters Kelly Olynyk (23 points, 6 rebounds), Jae’Sean Tate (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Christian Wood (15 points, 3 rebounds), but were unable to keep up with Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. (21 points, 4-of-7 on 3-pointers).

Houston’s backcourt struggled mightily, with Kevin Porter Jr. and John Wall combining for 11 turnovers and 4-of-17 shooting (23.5% FG).

For the rebuilding Rockets (14-42), it’s the 10th loss in 11 games, allowing them to drop a half-game behind Minnesota for the NBA’s worst record in the 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, the Nuggets (36-20) remain in strong position for the 2021 playoffs at No. 4 in the Western Conference.

Houston returns to action on Sunday night in Orlando for the start of a road back-to-back, with a second game coming Monday in Miami.

Wall is expected to sit out one of those matchups in Florida for planned maintenance, according to the team’s revised plan, but it isn’t yet clear which game he will sit and which he will play. Backcourt mate Sterling Brown could return from a minor left knee injury during the back-to-back, which could potentially fill some of Wall’s vacated minutes.

Sunday’s tipoff versus the Magic is set for 6:00 p.m. Central. For now, here’s highlights and postgame reaction from Friday’s loss to Denver.

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Nuggets at Rockets: Friday’s lineups, injury reports and broadcast info

Christian Wood said that Kelly Olynyk is likely to get the initial defensive assignment of Nikola Jokic, but they’re likely to take turns.

In an apparent mismatch, MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic takes his Denver Nuggets to Houston on Friday night to face off with John Wall, Christian Wood, and the rest of the rebuilding Rockets.

The Rockets enter the matchup at Toyota Center with just one win in their last 10 games, whereas the Nuggets have won nine times in their last 11 outings. Denver is currently in the No. 4 spot of the Western Conference standings and jostling for playoff positioning, whereas the Rockets have effectively been eliminated already, for all practical purposes.

The Nuggets are reeling after the season-ending loss of Jamal Murray (torn left ACL) earlier this week, but that may not be an issue versus the struggling Rockets. As for Jokic, he’s likely to be initially guarded by Kelly Olynyk, who offers more strength than Wood in the post.

However, the Rockets will try to take advantage of Jokic on the other end — either via the 3-point shooting of Olynyk, or with Wood using his superior speed and athleticism in pick-and-roll scenarios.

Here’s when you should tune in to see Friday’s game:

  • Date: Friday, April 16
  • Time: 7 p.m. Central
  • TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
  • Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)

Probable starting lineups

Houston Rockets (14-41)

  • Guard: John Wall
  • Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
  • Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
  • Forward: Kelly Olynyk
  • Center: Christian Wood

Denver Nuggets (35-20)

  • Guard: Monte Morris
  • Guard: Will Barton
  • Forward: Michael Porter Jr.
  • Forward: Aaron Gordon
  • Center: Nikola Jokic

Houston’s injury report is extensive, as has often been the case during an injury ravaged 2020-21 season. Sterling Brown (left knee), DJ Augustin (left ankle), Danuel House Jr. (right ankle), David Nwaba (right wrist), Dante Exum (right calf) and Eric Gordon (right groin) are out. Denver’s report is much more skim, by comparison, with only Murray listed.

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Rockets reaction: Depth issues, defensive lapses costly versus Jokic, Nuggets

Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 18 assists, and 12 rebounds as the Nuggets picked apart the shorthanded Rockets in a commanding home victory.

For the undermanned Rockets, who are missing four expected rotation players due to COVID-19 issues, winning at Denver was always going to be a tall order. Led by a dominant showing of 19 points (73% FG), 18 assists, and 12 rebounds from All-Star center Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets routed Houston, 124-111 (box score) in the “Mile High City.”

James Harden led Houston with 34 points and eight assists in just 31 minutes, making 10-of-16 shots (62.5%) from the field. Meanwhile, center Christian Wood followed up 31 points and 13 rebounds in Saturday’s debut at Portland with 23 points (45% FG) and two blocks against the Nuggets. But they didn’t have nearly enough help on Monday night.

For a second straight game to open the 2020-21 regular season, the Rockets had only nine active players — just one above the NBA’s minimum requirement of eight to play a game. Facing a Denver squad led by Jokic and Jamal Murray and coming off a Western Conference Finals berth, it was a tough task for Houston — especially with a short rotation and on a second road game in three nights, and at high altitude. The Nuggets (1-2) were desperate for a win after unexpectedly losing their first two games of the  season, and it showed in their inspired play.

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The good news for the Rockets (0-2), from a wins and losses perspective, is that three of the four key absences (John Wall, Eric Gordon, and DeMarcus Cousins) are expected back in time for Houston’s next game on Thursday. Ben McLemore, who reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus, could take a few extra days. Reinforcements are on the way.

In the meantime, though, the Rockets are frustrated by their 0-2 start — especially given some of the early defensive issues. Here’s a sampling of the responses from Monday’s postgame interviews.

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Rockets at Nuggets: Betting odds, point spread for Monday night

Denver (0-2) is favored by 6.5 points against the shorthanded Rockets (0-1), who will be playing their second road game in three nights.

The Rockets visit the Denver Nuggets on Monday night in the second game of the NBA’s 2020-21 regular season for Houston. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, moneyline odds, and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The Rockets remain very shorthanded, with six players again unavailable due to either positive tests for COVID-19 (Ben McLemore, KJ Martin Jr.) or from contact tracing after possible exposure (John Wall, Eric Gordon, DeMarcus Cousins, Mason Jones). In all, Houston should have nine active players, just one above the minimum of eight needed to play.

Available players include guards James Harden, David Nwaba, Sterling Brown, and Brodric Thomas; forwards Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker, and Jae’Sean Tate; and centers Christian Wood and Bruno Caboclo.

Monday’s tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Central, with the game shown in usual Houston markets on AT&T SportsNet Southwest. Led by rising young stars such as center Nikola Jokic, guard Jamal Murray, and forward Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets (0-2) are still seeking their first win of the 2020-21 regular season, as are the Rockets (0-1).

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Denver (46-27) and Houston (44-28) finished No. 3 and No. 4 in the Western Conference last year, so both teams expect to turn around their slow starts to the new season in short order. Of the three combined losses by the Nuggets and Rockets in recent days, two of them (Denver to Sacramento, and Houston to Portland) came in the final seconds.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Nuggets -6.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Rockets +220/Blazers -275
  • Over-under: 222.5 (-110)
  • Player O/U Scoring Props: James Harden 32.5 (-105 O, -120 U), Christian Wood 22.5 (-125 O, +100 U); Nikola Jokic 22.5 (-120 O, -105 U), Jamal Murray 21.5 (-115 O, -105 U)

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

The point spread is tricky. While the Rockets showed promising signs in their narrow overtime loss at Portland, they remain very shorthanded and will be playing in high altitude for their second road game in three nights. That could cause Houston’s nine-man roster to wear down, especially with two key veterans (Harden, Tucker) having missed large chunks of training camp. Peak fitness is likely still a ways away for this group.

The best bet could be for Wood, who scored 31 against the Blazers, to go over his 22.5 points total. At 25 years old and with the benefit of a full training camp, he should be fresher than many of the veterans.

An athletic 6-foot-10 big man, Wood has sparked comparisons to former Rockets center Clint Capela, who often ran circles around the slow-footed Jokic. Unlike Capela, though, Wood also combines his gifts as a roll man with perimeter shooting touch. For a weary and shorthanded Houston squad, Wood’s energy could lead to plenty of scoring chances.

Prediction: 116-108, Nuggets

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Westbrook scores 32, but Harden-less Rockets fall short in Denver

Russell Westbrook led Houston with 32 points and 7 assists. But with James Harden out (bruised thigh), it wasn’t enough to win at Denver.

There was a basketball game for the Houston Rockets on Sunday in Denver, even if the day will be remembered most for the intense emotions following the shocking death of NBA icon Kobe Bryant.

At 41 years old, Bryant died with eight others — including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna — in a tragic helicopter crash near Los Angeles, where he played for 20 seasons with the Lakers. In those years from 1996 through 2016, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion; a two-time MVP and scoring champion; and an 18-time All-Star.

Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and three other daughters.

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As for Sunday’s game, which reserve guard Austin Rivers said was tough to play, the Rockets (28-17) lost to the Denver Nuggets (32-14) by a 117-110 margin (box score). Houston had a nine-point lead after the first quarter and led by two at halftime, but they were unable to hold on.

Russell Westbrook led the way with 32 points and seven assists, but the Rockets were shorthanded with James Harden (bruised thigh) out injured. Unfortunately, Harden is also doubtful for Monday’s game at Utah, which Westbrook is already set to miss since he played Sunday.

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Sunday’s loss was tough for the Rockets in the Western Conference standings. The result puts them three games behind the Nuggets in the loss column, and it also allowed Denver to tie the season series between the teams at two games apiece.

Had the Rockets won, they would have trailed the Nuggets by just one game in the loss column, along with possession of the tiebreaker. Now, they’re three back, and Denver is well positioned to have any eventual tiebreaker, since the next criteria is conference record. At the moment, Denver has seven losses to West teams, compared to 13 for Houston.

Eric Gordon (19), Ben McLemore (15), Rivers (13), and Danuel House Jr. also scored in double figures for the Rockets.

Meanwhile, reigning All-Star center Nikola Jokic was the clear star for the Nuggets with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Without Westbrook and most likely without Harden, the Rockets now travel to Utah for the second half of the back-to-back. Houston will be significant underdogs versus the Jazz (32-13), who have won 19 of their last 21 games. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Central time on Monday,