NBA · Final

Rockets Defeat Nuggets 115-101 in Denver

115

101

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Ball Arena

Houston Rockets 115, Denver Nuggets 101, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets?

Houston Rockets beat Denver Nuggets 115-101 at Ball Arena on December 20, 2025.

Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets?

Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive matchup, the Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets 115-101 at Ball Arena on December 20, 2025. This victory marks Houston's third consecutive win over Denver in their recent meetings, extending their lead in the series to 2-1 this season. The Rockets showcased a strong performance, overcoming the Nuggets' home advantage, where Denver held a 20-7 record prior to this game.

The Nuggets entered this game with a recent form of 8-2 in their last ten games, riding a six-game winning streak. They had been averaging 128.6 points scored while allowing 120.1 points over that stretch. Their last five games had shown even more dominance, with an average of 127.8 points scored and 116.8 points allowed. However, they struggled to maintain that momentum against the Rockets, who had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and had been averaging 118.7 points scored and 111.5 points allowed during that period.

Houston, despite their recent form showing two consecutive losses leading into this matchup, managed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities effectively. They had previously lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 133-128 and to the Nuggets 128-125 just four days prior. The Rockets' away record stood at 3-4, but they had demonstrated resilience in their recent performances, particularly against Denver.

The game featured notable injuries affecting both teams. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile were listed as Day-To-Day, with Gordon dealing with a calf issue. The Rockets faced similar challenges, with Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all marked as Day-To-Day due to ankle and knee injuries. The status of these key players added an element of uncertainty to the matchup, impacting both teams' strategies.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 235.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Rockets' performance on the court proved their worth as they secured the victory.

In terms of conditions, the game took place under standard NBA circumstances, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the league. The Nuggets had a solid home record, but the Rockets' ability to adapt and perform away from home was evident throughout the game.

Viewers were treated to a display of athleticism and skill, particularly in the fourth quarter, where key scoring plays defined the outcome. Notable moments included Steven Adams making crucial free throws and Amen Thompson contributing with dunks, showcasing the Rockets' offensive prowess. The final scoring plays highlighted Houston's ability to maintain their lead and capitalize on Denver's struggles in the closing minutes.

Overall, the Rockets' victory over the Nuggets serves as a significant statement in the ongoing season, demonstrating their capability to compete at a high level, even in challenging environments. As the season progresses, both teams will look to address their injury concerns and build on their performances.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	HOU -1.5	235.5 o -112 / u -108	Houston Rockets -122 · Denver Nuggets +102

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets

Leaders

PointsNikola Jokic25Denver Nuggets
AssistsJamal Murray7Denver Nuggets
ReboundsBruce Brown12Denver Nuggets
PointsKevin Durant31Houston Rockets
AssistsReed Sheppard6Houston Rockets
ReboundsSteven Adams12Houston Rockets

Recent form

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 8-2Streak W6128.6 scored · 120.1 allowed per game2-2 at home

W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12
W115-106at Charlotte HornetsDec 7
W134-133at Atlanta HawksDec 6
W135-120at Indiana PacersDec 4
L121-131vs Dallas MavericksDec 2
W130-112at Phoenix SunsNov 30
L136-139vs San Antonio SpursNov 29
W125-115at Memphis GrizzliesNov 25

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak L2118.7 scored · 111.5 allowed per game3-4 away

L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12
L109-122at Dallas MavericksDec 7
W117-98vs Phoenix SunsDec 6
W121-95vs Sacramento KingsDec 4
L125-133at Utah JazzDec 2
W129-101at Utah JazzNov 30
W104-100at Golden State WarriorsNov 27
W114-92at Phoenix SunsNov 25

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25
Oklahoma City	-	18	L2	.780	64
Denver	10	28	W12	.659	54
Minnesota	15	33	W2	.598	49
Portland	22	40	W2	.512	42
Utah	42	60	L1	.268	22

Box score

Stat	Houston Rockets	Denver Nuggets
Field goals	39-77	37-92
Field goal %	51	40
Three-pointers	19-35	8-29
Three-point %	54	28
Free throws	18-23	19-23
Free throw %	78	83
Rebounds	47	39
Offensive rebounds	9	10
Defensive rebounds	38	29
Assists	24	21
Steals	6	9
Blocks	8	2
Turnovers	19	11
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	2	3
Technical fouls, total	2	3
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	24	17
Fast-break points	14	13
Points in the paint	34	50
Fouls	20	20
Largest lead	21	5
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	81	12

How the scoring went

4th Quarter86-70Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter87-70Reed Sheppard makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter87-72Bruce Brown makes 1-foot layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
4th Quarter88-72Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter89-72Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter90-72Kevin Durant makes technical free throw
4th Quarter90-73Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter90-74Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter92-74Reed Sheppard makes 2-foot two point shot
4th Quarter92-76Jamal Murray makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter92-77Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter93-77Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter93-80Jamal Murray makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Nikola Jokic assists)
4th Quarter93-81Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter95-81Amen Thompson makes 5-foot two point shot
4th Quarter98-81Kevin Durant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
4th Quarter98-82Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter101-82Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kevin Durant assists)
4th Quarter101-84Nikola Jokic makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter101-85Nikola Jokic makes technical free throw
4th Quarter102-85Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter103-85Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter103-86Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter105-86Jabari Smith Jr. makes 2-foot dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
4th Quarter107-86Amen Thompson makes running dunk
4th Quarter107-88Bruce Brown makes running layup (Julian Strawther assists)
4th Quarter107-89Bruce Brown makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter107-91Jalen Pickett makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter107-92Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter107-94Bruce Brown makes two point shot
4th Quarter107-95Bruce Brown makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter107-97Jalen Pickett makes 1-foot two point shot (Bruce Brown assists)
4th Quarter108-97Steven Adams makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter110-97Reed Sheppard makes 1-foot running dunk
4th Quarter111-97Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter111-98Julian Strawther makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter111-99Julian Strawther makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter113-99Jabari Smith Jr. makes dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter115-99Amen Thompson makes dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
4th Quarter115-101Hunter Tyson makes two point shot