The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the NBA's Western Conference as the Denver Nuggets prepare to host the Houston Rockets for the third time this season. The clash, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Ball Arena in Denver, carries significant weight for both teams' playoff ambitions.
High-Stakes Rematch After Overtime Thriller
This will be the second meeting between these two sides in a single week. Their previous encounter was an instant classic, requiring overtime before the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious with a narrow 128-125 scoreline. Denver has already secured two wins against Houston this season, both by a combined margin of just six points, setting the stage for a fierce Rockets team hungry for revenge.
Entering Saturday's game, the Nuggets hold a formidable position. They are second in the competitive Western Conference with an impressive 20-6 record. Their dominance is further highlighted by the fact that they rank third in the entire NBA for wins by double-digit margins. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder are lurking just three games behind, making every conference victory crucial.
Team News and Injury Concerns
Both teams will be navigating significant injury woes. The Nuggets' roster is particularly depleted. Key players like Aaron Gordon (Right Hamstring Strain) and Christian Braun (Left Ankle Sprain) are ruled out, while Peyton Watson remains questionable. The Rockets are also missing major pieces, with veteran guard Fred VanVleet (Right Knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (Left Ankle) sidelined.
The expected starting lineups reflect these absences. Denver will likely rely on the formidable duo of Jamal Murray and the practically unstoppable Nikola Jokic, supported by Bruce Brown, Spencer Jones, and Cameron Johnson. Houston will counter with a lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and young talents Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.
Game Prediction and Broadcast Details
With the season series on the line, the Rockets, currently 0-2 against Denver, are desperate to avoid a sweep. Coach Ime Udoka will look to his star power, namely Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, to lead the charge and solve the Nuggets' puzzle. Meanwhile, the injury-riddled but resilient Nuggets, riding a six-game winning streak, aim to solidify their standings advantage and claim the head-to-head tiebreaker, which could prove vital later in the season.
Fans in India and worldwide can catch all the action live. The game tips off at 5:00 p.m. ET (which translates to early morning hours on December 21 in Indian Standard Time). The match will be telecast on the Space City Home Network. For online viewers, the game will be available for streaming on Fubo.
