The Denver Nuggets (5-3) visit the Houston Rockets (7-3) Monday with tip-off at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Nuggets won 3-1, including in NBA Cup
Denver handed the Indiana Pacers a 114-102 loss Saturday while covering as an 8.5-point road favorite while the Under (229.5) cashed. The Nuggets struggled offensively in the win, as no player reached even 20 points, and they shot just 10 of 35 (29%) from 3, but they turned the ball over just 5 times and won the rebounding battle 51-45 to escape with the win. The Nuggets have won 4 of their last 5 games, holding opponents under 110
points in 3 of those wins.
Houston was shocked 102-99 by the Phoenix Suns Saturday, failing to cover as a 6.5-point road favorite as the Under (223.5) hit. The Rockets won the rebounding and turnover battles and held Phoenix to just 12 points in the second quarter, but they lost because they shot just 38% from the field and 29% from deep. After starting out 5-0, the Rockets have lost 3 of their last 5, scoring 111 or fewer points in all 3 losses.
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Nuggets at Rockets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Nuggets +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Rockets -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +8.5 (-105) | Rockets -8.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Nuggets at Rockets key injuries
Nuggets
- G Christain Braun (calf) questionable
- F DeMar DeRozan (back) questionable
- F Aaron Gordon (hamstring) questionable
- F Cameron Johnson (ankle) questionable
- C Nikola Jokic (elbow) questionable
- G Jamal Murray (shin) questionable
- G Julian Strawther (knee) out
Rockets
- C Steven Adams (calf) out
- C Clint Capela (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 110, Nuggets 106
Moneyline
PASS.
The Rockets could win this game, but they definitely shouldn't be -350 favorites, and the Nuggets (+275) haven't been consistent enough to make me trust them to win this game, so pass here and bet on the spread and/or total instead.
Against the spread
LEAN NUGGETS +8.5 (-105).
As good as the Rockets are, they won't have an answer for C Nikola Jokic here defensively, and their offense as of late has not been as impressive as it was to start the season. Expect that Jokic and Murray go off here and that Houston's shooting concerns rear their ugly head here.
Denver has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games, while the Rockets have dropped back-to-back games ATS and are 0-3 ATS in their 3 losses this season.
All of Denver's best 6 players are listed as questionable, but all 6 played in Denver's last game, so this is a risky play as we don't know who will be suiting up for Denver.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 219.5 (-110).
Recently, it has been Denver's defense that has led to most of its wins, and the Rockets have fallen off from being the team that had the best offense in basketball over the last few games. It is possible that the Rockets get whatever they want offensively here against a Denver defense that has been bad historically, but with neither Jokic nor F Kevin Durant putting up crazy scoring numbers to start the season, it is more likely that defense commands this game.
The Under has hit in 3 of Houston's last 4 games and is 2-1 in Denver's last 3 games. The Under has also hit in 3 of the last 4 matchups between these squads.
Best prop bet
Nuggets G JAMAL MURRAY OVER 21.5 POINTS (-105).
Murray will likely be guarded by G Amen Thompson for much of this matchup, which won't be easy, but that has been his matchup in previous games against Houston, and he has still scored at least 22 points in 5 of his last 7 matchups against Houston. This season, Murray has also been the best scorer for Denver, averaging a team-high 24.2 points per game and having eclipsed the 30-point mark 3 times this season, so expect that to continue here if Denver wants to have a real shot at winning.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions
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