Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets Picks and Prediction for Monday November 9, 2026
The Denver Nuggets will be on the road Monday night for a matchup against the Houston Rockets inside Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET. Denver comes into this matchup playing solid basketball following a 114-102 victory against Indiana on Saturday night in Mexico City. Houston returns home looking to get back on track after dropping a narrow 102-99 decision against Phoenix on Saturday. The Rockets have been one of the better teams in the Western Conference early this season and will look to defend their home floor against a talented Denver lineup. Houston comes into Monday as a big 8.5-point favorite and -291 on the moneyline. Denver is +237, and the total is 217.5. Stay in the action with our NBA Picks.
Denver tries to extend winning streak
The Denver Nuggets offense is averaging 115.3 points on 49% shooting from the floor this season. Defensively, Denver is allowing 113.1 points per game this year, but they've allowed 105.5 points per game across their last four wins. Jamal Murray is leading the Denver offense this season, averaging 24.2 points per game. Nikola Jokic is second on the team, averaging 22.9 points, and he leads Denver, averaging 10.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game. Christian Braun is third on the roster, averaging 13.5 points, and Spencer Jones is averaging 13 points per game this season, but he has played just one game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 12.3 points, and Cameron Johnson is averaging 10.8 points per game this season. DeMar DeRozan is seventh on the roster, averaging 10.7 points per game this year off the bench.
Offensively, Denver did the work in their last outing, scoring 114 points on 46% shooting and 29% from beyond the arc. Denver won the rebounding battle by six and made 16 free throws in the game. Defensively, Denver did the job, giving up 102 points, including just 41 in the first half, on 45% shooting and 31% from the outside. Nikola Jokic orchestrated the Denver offense, boasting a team-high 19 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.
Key Injury Report for Denver:
- Cameron Johnson (GTD) - Lower body
- DeMar DeRozan (GTD) - Back
- Christian Braun (GTD) - Calf
- Jamal Murray (GTD) - Lower Leg
- Aaron Gordon (GTD) - Lower Body
Houston looks for 5th home win
The Houston Rockets offense is averaging 116 points on 48% shooting from the floor this season, but they have averaged 105.6 points per game across their last three losses. Defensively, Houston has held their own, allowing 107 points per game this year. Alperen Sengun is leading the Houston offense this season, averaging 21.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. Kevin Durant is second on the roster with 20.8 points, and Jabari Smith is averaging 17.3 points per game. Amen Thompson is averaging 15.6 points, and Fred VanVleet is averaging 13.4 points per game. Reed Sheppard is the sixth Houston player in double digits this season, averaging 10 points in just under 21 minutes per game.
Offensively, Houston had one of their worst games of the year last time out, scoring just 99 points on 38% shooting and 29% from the outside. Houston allowed 102 points on 48% shooting, and Phoenix knocked down 12 triples. The Rockets did win the rebounding battle by two but turned the ball over 14 times in the loss. Kevin Durant led Houston with 21 points and 10 rebounds on 14 shots.
Key Injury Report for Houston:
- Clint Capela (Ankle) - Out
- Steven Adams (Calf) - Out
Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets Picks and Prediction
Pick: Houston Rockets -8.5
Houston has the athleticism, defensive versatility, and offensive talent necessary to challenge Denver throughout this matchup. The Rockets have been effective at controlling the glass and creating second-chance scoring opportunities, which could become a deciding factor against the Nuggets. Denver could be shorthanded, with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, and DeMar DeRozan listed as game-time decisions. The Rockets should also benefit from playing at home, where their defensive energy can help generate transition opportunities. Look for Houston to use its depth and physicality to secure a hard-fought victory.
Total Pick: Under 217.5
This matchup features two teams capable of playing physical basketball and controlling the tempo, which could lead to a lower-scoring contest. Houston has the defensive personnel to challenge Denver's offensive execution and force the Nuggets into difficult shots. Denver could struggle to score with so much of their offense potentially sitting out. Defense will be the emphasis on both sides Monday in a matchup between 2 good Western Conference teams. Expect a competitive matchup with extended half-court possessions and enough defensive stops to keep the final combined score under the total.