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Nuggets vs Rockets Prediction 12/20/25 NBA Picks Today

Houston Rockets (16-8) vs. Denver Nuggets (20-6)
December 20, 2025 5:00 pm EDT
The Line: Denver Nuggets -1.5; Over/Under: 236.5
(Get latest betting odds)

The Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets meet Saturday in NBA action at the Ball Arena. Here’s a Nuggets vs Rockets Prediction. This article will include a Nuggets vs Rockets Pick.

Houston Rockets Betting Preview

The Houston Rockets lost to the Nuggets and Pelicans, and they play the Kings next. The Rockets have lost 3 of their last 4 games.

The Houston Rockets are averaging 120.9 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 111.2 points on 46 percent shooting. Kevin Durant is averaging 24.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 23.5 points and 9.4 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the third double-digit scorer, and Jabari Smith Jr. is grabbing 6.7 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 39.9 percent from beyond the arc and 79 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48.7 rebounds per game.

Denver Nuggets Betting Preview

The Denver Nuggets beat the Rockets and Magic, and they play the Jazz next. The Nuggets have won 23 of their last 29 regular season games.

The Denver Nuggets are averaging 125.6 points on 51.6 percent shooting and allowing 116.2 points on 46.6 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.8 points and 12.4 rebounds, while Jamal Murray is averaging 24.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. Aaron Gordon is the third double-digit scorer, and Tim Hardaway Jr. is grabbing 2 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and 82 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 34.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.6 rebounds per game.

Why the Denver Nuggets will win

  • The home team has won each of the Rockets’ last seven games.
  • The Rockets have lost each of their last seven games at Ball Arena following a loss.
  • The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents following an overtime loss.
  • The Nuggets have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 home games against teams that held a winning record.

Why the Houston Rockets will win

  • The underdogs have won five of the Nuggets’ last six games at Ball Arena.
  • The Nuggets have lost four of their last five games as home favorites.
  • The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last six games on the first leg of a back-to-back against Western Conference opponents.
  • The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games as home favorites.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of the Nuggets’ last seven games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
  • Nine of the Rockets’ last 10 road games against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Denver Nuggets Player Facts

  • Nikola Jokic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for assists per game (10.9) this season.
  • Jamal Murray is one of only six players in the league to have made 10+ threes in a game this season.

Houston Rockets Player Facts

  • Kevin Durant has recorded 4+ blocks in two consecutive appearances – equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
  • Alperen Sengun ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (14.2) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

  • The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for points per game this season (125.6).
  • The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for opponent turnovers per game this season (12.4).
  • The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (49.1).
  • The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (37.7).

Nuggets vs Rockets Injury Report

Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are out for the Nuggets. Peyton Watson is questionable.

The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Nuggets vs Rockets Prediction

The Rockets in the underdog role is appealing given their talent level, but they’re coming off a shaky week, which includes a loss to the Nuggets and a loss to the Pelicans as near double-digit favorites. I’m also not eager to bet against the Nuggets on their home court. The Nuggets have beaten the Rockets twice this season and have won 4 straight games against them overall. We’re getting the Nuggets at home in a near pick em spot. I can’t go against them. Give me the Nuggets.

Randy Chambers's Free Pick: Denver Nuggets -1.5

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Randy Chambers

Randy has covered sports betting since 2014 and writes about everything from NFL to WNBA. Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter.

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