The Denver Nuggets played in Mexico two nights ago. They beat the Indiana Pacers 114-102. With the extra level of travel, Denver has listed their entire rotation as a game-time decision. More than likely, some of them will have to play. However, if they do sit everyone, the Houston Rockets will owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
Houston has looked poor, to stay the least, over the past two games. Against Minnesota at home and in Phoenix, the Rockets got off to sluggish starts and it cost them in the fourth
quarters when they couldn’t score. Turnovers have also plagued the team in those losses. It was a stark reminder of last season’s struggles, and casts Houston’s hot start in doubt. Further, it brings into question the perceived importance of Fred VanVleet. If the team is making the same mistakes it made last season (sans FVV), how helpful is he?
The sky isn’t falling, but boy do the Rockets need to prove that they aren’t the exact same team as last season. Because if they are, what are we even doing here? I’m not arguing for a full teardown and I’m certainly not saying that a loss tonight should start that process, but if Denver doesn’t play their stars and Houston still finds a way to lose, well…it’s going to get loud.
Tip-off
7:30pm CT
How To Watch
Space City Home Network
Injury Report
Rockets
Clint Capela: OUT
Steven Adams: OUT
Nuggets
Nikola Jokic: GTD
Cameron Johnson: GTD
Jamal Murray: GTD
DeMar DeRozan: GTD
Aaron Gordon: GTD
Christian Braun: GTD
Julian Strawther: OUT
The Line (as of this post)
HOU -8.5
Check here for updates
Schedule Advantage Counter
Rockets: 2
Opponents: 2
Looking ahead because we can
Wednesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors
