Houston Rockets (8-7) vs. Denver Nuggets (12-6)
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets 11/29/23 – The 8-7 Houston Rockets face the 12-6 Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. This matchup sees two teams trending in opposite directions over recent games. This matchup will come down to whether Houston’s recent strong play can overcome long-term struggles in this matchup. Pro handicapping advice sees plenty of angles to break down for betting value.
The Rockets have been scoring at a decent clip this season, averaging 109.6 points per game. Their success has been powered by efficient shooting percentages both from the field (46.7%) and the free throw line (75.8%). Houston’s calling card is their potent three-point shooting (12.5 makes on 34.6 attempts per game) that can quickly swing game momentum in their favor when shots are falling. Defensively they have been middle of the pack statistically, an area they will need to improve upon facing the dangerous Denver offense.
Denver’s offense has been clicking on all cylinders, posting the 5th highest scoring average (113.1) in the NBA through 18 games. The engine driving that output is MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic, who leads the team across most statistical categories. The Nuggets have excelled sharing the ball as well, dishing out 29 assists per contest – 3rd best in the league. That elite offense combined with a top ten defense gives Denver tools to control games on both ends.
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets 11/29/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Alperen Sengun (C) vs. Nikola Jokic (C)
The second-year center Alperen Sengun has taken on an increased role for the Rockets this season, averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists through 14 games. His strengths lie in post play and passing ability uncommon for a big man, though he does struggle at times with turnovers and foul trouble. How Sengun fares against Jokic’s defense could swing this game for Houston.
Reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic continues his MVP-level play this season, leading Denver in most statistical categories. His versatile, well-rounded game makes him a matchup nightmare capable of beating teams with scoring and playmaking. While not an elite defender, Jokic’s high basketball IQ allows him to use positioning and hands to force turnovers. Sengun will have his hands full dealing with Denver’s superstar.
This matchup pits two highly skilled big man playmakers against one another. If Sengun can manage to contain Jokic while staying out of foul trouble, it would go a long way towards a Rockets upset. But the safe bet is on Jokic dominating as he has all season long.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Denver Nuggets -175, Total Odds: 215.5
The Nuggets enter the game as modest 3.5-point favorites at home. The total is set at 215.5, with oddsmakers expecting a lower scoring affair between teams with quality defenses. The trends and matchup advantage favor backing the Nuggets to cover at home.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
Houston has thrived against the spread recently, covering in 6 of 7 games. They’ve also gone under the total in 7 of their last 9 matchups. However, they have struggled mightily in this matchup with 9 straight losses against Denver, including 0-6 straight up in away games. Based on those trends, treading carefully before backing Houston.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets have trended the other way from Houston, failing to cover the spread in 8 of 10 games. The under has hit in 13 of their last 20 matchups. Importantly though, they are undefeated at home and against the Rockets there over the last 9 meetings. Relying on those matchup-specific trends makes Denver the pick.
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets 11/29/23 Betting Picks
Given the contrasting recent forms and historical dominance Denver has had hosting Houston, the prediction is for the Nuggets to make it 10 straight wins over the Rockets. Nikola Jokic should dominate the interior matchup against Sengun to spur his team’s offense. Top NBA picks today favor backing Denver up to -7.5 to continue their home dominance against underdog Houston.
Free Pick & Prediction: Denver Nuggets 111, Houston Rockets 101