Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions January 15th 2025

Nikola Jokic, Red-Hot Nuggets Face Surging Rockets in Denver

Rockets: Balance and Confidence

Houston (26-12) has already eclipsed its win totals from two seasons ago and is on pace for a 56-win campaign. The Rockets have won five of their last six games, including back-to-back nail-biting victories over the Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Ime Udoka believes his team is far from its ceiling.

“We can improve vastly still, and that’s the good part about it,” Udoka said after Monday’s 120-118 victory over Memphis. “We know we can get so much better, and that’s why we’re excited about where we’re at and where we can get to.”

The Rockets’ success stems from their balanced roster. Jalen Green leads the team with 21 points per game, while Alperen Sengun is a double-double machine, averaging 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds. Veteran guard Fred VanVleet adds another dimension with 15 points and 7.1 assists per game.

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Houston’s depth is evident, with seven players averaging double figures in scoring. This depth helped the Rockets win three of their four matchups against the Nuggets last season.

Nuggets: Jokic and Murray in Sync

Denver (25-16) comes into the game on a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a dominant 118-99 road victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Jamal Murray erupted for a season-high 45 points, including 32 in the first half, showcasing the Nuggets’ potential when both he and Jokic are firing on all cylinders.

“Games like this, when I’m on, there’s nothing to worry about,” Murray said after the win. “We just have to play defense and keep this momentum going.”

Nikola Jokic continued his MVP-level performance with his 16th triple-double of the season (10 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists). The Serbian center is averaging a near triple-double with 30.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game, placing him among the league’s elite in all three categories.

Jokic recently achieved another milestone, becoming the fastest player in NBA history to reach 15,000 points, 7,500 rebounds, and 5,000 assists in his career. His consistent brilliance, combined with contributions from Murray and Michael Porter Jr. (18.7 points per game), makes Denver a formidable opponent.

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Jokic vs. Sengun: Sengun’s development as a versatile big man will be put to the test against Jokic, the reigning three-time MVP.
• Jalen Green vs. Jamal Murray: Both guards are capable of electrifying scoring outbursts, and their performances could set the tone for their respective teams.
• Bench Depth: With Houston boasting a balanced roster and Denver relying on its stars, bench contributions could swing the outcome.

What’s at Stake

Both teams enter the matchup on winning streaks, with Denver aiming to solidify its position as one of the West’s elite and Houston seeking validation as a contender. The game offers a prime opportunity for the Rockets to measure themselves against a championship-caliber opponent and for the Nuggets to extend their momentum against an ascending team.