It used to be a scheduled win for Denver. You’d look at the calendar, see the Rockets, and basically pencil in a 20-point blowout while Nikola Jokić sat the entire fourth quarter. But things have changed. Fast. If you watched the 115-101 Rockets win at Ball Arena back in December, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The Rockets aren't the "rebuilding" project anymore. They’re a problem.
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Honestly, the whole nuggets vs houston rockets dynamic has shifted because Houston finally realized they couldn't just keep drafting teenagers and hoping for the best. They went out and got Kevin Durant. Yeah, that happened. Seeing KD in a Rockets jersey still feels like a glitch in the Matrix, but his 31-point masterclass against Denver last month proved he’s the missing piece for a team that used to be all potential and no polish.
The "Baby Jokić" Problem
We have to talk about Alperen Şengün. For years, people called him "Baby Jokić" because of the flashy passing and the awkward-but-effective post moves. But in 2026, he’s starting to look like a guy who might actually take the throne.
The stats are hauntingly similar. At age 23, Şengün is putting up numbers that mirror Jokić’s MVP rise. We’re talking 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists a night. During their overtime thriller on December 15th—which Denver barely escaped 128-125—Şengün went toe-to-toe with the Joker. Jokić had a massive 39-point triple-double, but Şengün answered with 33, 10, and 10 of his own.
It’s rare to see someone make Jokić actually work on the defensive end. Usually, Nikola just sags off and waits for the miss. Against Şengün? He has to stay glued. If he doesn't, Alperen picks the defense apart just like his mentor.
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Why the Nuggets are Sweatier Than Usual
Denver is still sitting high in the West, currently 3rd with a 27-13 record, but they’ve been bitten by the injury bug at the worst possible time. David Adelman—who took over the clipboard from Michael Malone—has been juggling a rotation that feels like it’s held together by duct tape lately.
- Nikola Jokić is currently dealing with a knee issue (expected back in February).
- Christian Braun has been sidelined with a nasty ankle sprain.
- Jonas Valančiūnas was brought in to provide veteran size, but he’s also on the shelf.
When you lose that much depth, you rely heavily on Jamal Murray. And look, Murray is still that guy. He dropped 35 in that December win, looking every bit like the playoff assassin we know. But when the nuggets vs houston rockets matchup comes up now, Denver can’t just out-talent them. Houston has length everywhere. Amen Thompson and Tari Eason are defensive terrors who make life miserable for Denver's shooters.
The Reed Sheppard Factor
Nobody expected Reed Sheppard to be this good this fast. In the most recent blowout, the kid scored 28 points and hit 6 three-pointers. He literally outscored the entire Nuggets bench by himself in the third quarter.
It’s a weird contrast. Denver is the "old guard"—the championship-proven, slow-paced machine. Houston is the "new wave"—hyper-athletic, high-volume shooting, and coached into a frenzy by Ime Udoka. The Rockets are currently shooting 54% from deep in some of these head-to-heads. That’s not just luck; it’s a systematic dismantling of Denver’s perimeter defense.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s this narrative that the Rockets are just "running and gunning." That’s lazy. If you actually watch the tape, Udoka has them playing a physical, grinding style of defense that mirrors the old-school Eastern Conference. They held Denver to 27% from three in their last meeting.
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Another misconception? That Denver's bench is the weak link. It's actually their transition defense. When Jokić is off the floor, the Nuggets look a bit lost on the break, and Houston is the fastest team in the league at turning a rebound into a dunk.
What to Watch For Next
If these two meet in the playoffs—which looks like a 3-vs-6 seed possibility right now—it’s going to be a bloodbath. Denver has the experience, but Houston has the hunger and, frankly, the fresher legs.
- The Health of the Bigs: If Jokić isn't 100%, Şengün will eat.
- KD’s Gravity: Durant doesn't even need to score to hurt Denver; he just draws Aaron Gordon away from the rim, leaving the lane open for Amen Thompson.
- The Ball Arena Advantage: Denver is still 21st in attendance (surprisingly), but the altitude usually wears down young teams. Houston, however, seems to have found their "altitude lungs" lately.
The era of Denver dominance over the Rockets is officially over. We’re in the middle of a genuine rivalry now, and the next time these two rosters clash, don't be surprised if the betting lines favor the guys in red.
Your Move: Keep an eye on the injury report for their next scheduled meeting. If Peyton Watson is back for Denver, the perimeter defense changes entirely. If not, expect Reed Sheppard to have another field day. You should also check the "clutch time" stats for both teams; Houston has actually been more efficient than Denver in the final five minutes of close games this season, a stat that would have been unthinkable two years ago.