Mile High Showdown: Rockets Visit Nuggets in Battle of NBA’s Hottest Teams
Mirror Gazing. Thriving in 2025. Striking Gold.
Houston rolls into Denver as the NBA’s hottest teams square off in a Mile High showdown on Wednesday night. Riding a four game winning streak. On a hunt to prove they’re true contenders. With a roster full of talented players. Led by a head coach who doesn’t shy away from ripping his team in postgame pressers when they don’t perform to expectations. And a big Joker with a bag full of tricks that would make even Batman jealous. All in a city that prides itself on being a football town first. But which of these teams in tonight’s tilt inherits these traits? Pick a side. The Rockets and Nuggets have much more in common than meets the eye. And both teams are tied for the NBA’s current longest winning streak at four games entering tonight’s matchup.
With a record of 26-12, the Rockets are in second place in the brutally competitive Western Conference. After a slow start, the Nuggets have won eight of their last ten games, and all by double figures. Denver’s now in fourth place, with a record of 24-15, as they try and inch closer to Houston in the standings. The Nuggets want to be near the top of the West like the Rockets, as Denver’s still only two years removed from a title. Houston wants to prove their championship contenders now, instead of being “one player away” like many critics want to shout to the heavens. Last season, the Rockets were the only team to beat the then-defending champs three times.
Both coaches, Ime Udoka and Mike Malone, are defensive minded leaders who hold their teams accountable every night of the season. Nikola Jokic remains one of the best players in the NBA, even poised to potentially win another MVP this season. Alperen Sengun has long been nicknamed “Mini-Joker” due to his similar skill set as a talented pass-first big man. Jalen Green has been on a tear recently for the Rockets. Green is coming off a season-high 42 points in Houston’s previous win. And after being called out pre-game by Shaq on national television, Jamal Murray exploded for 45 points in Denver’s win over Dallas last night. Both teams also boast veteran leaders in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks for the Rockets. While the Nuggets have Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. Not to mention Russell Westbrook, who is having a renaissance season in Denver. Westbrook is still playing at a high level, and as he’s already shown, capable of delivering triple-doubles at this latter stage in his career. Along with The Joker and Murray, Houston needs to make sure Westbrook doesn’t go off against his former team.
This is the first matchup this season between these Western Conference foes. Both Houston (5-1) and Denver (6-2) are off to fantastic starts to the 2025 portion of the season. Yet one of these four-game winning streaks is coming to an end tonight. The Nuggets played last night in Dallas, so the Rockets have the rest advantage entering this matchup. Although, this is Houston’s first game playing in the altitude this season, which always impacts players differently. A lot’s on the line tonight in the Mile High City, as the NBA’s hottest teams face off… trying to prove they’re worthy of contending for a title.
Ball Arena: Denver, Colorado
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (26-12): Red
Denver Nuggets (24-15): Navy
Tip-Off: 8:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass