The Denver Nuggets (30-13), 7.5-point underdogs, will travel to the Toyota Center to clash with the Houston Rockets (26-16). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 228.5 points and it can be seen on Altitude Sports & Entertainmnt at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets Betting Odds
The Nuggets come in on a high note after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last game, 107-100, as 3.5-point underdogs. The Rockets, on the other hand, were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-107, and were not able to cover as 7.5-point underdogs. The Denver game went 14 points under the projected point total of 221, while the Houston game finished 11.5 points under the projected point total of 230.5.
The Nuggets had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.5 (above their season average of 24.7) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.539 (above their season average of 0.520). Houston, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 10.4). Russell Westbrook led the way for Houston with 32 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds to record his seventh triple-double this year. Denver, meanwhile, was lifted by Michael Porter Jr., who contributed 20 points and 14 rebounds.
The Rockets had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 130-104 blowout victory, to even the season series at one. James Harden scored a game-high 35 points. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Houston’s biggest strengths. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Denver had just nine. The two teams combined for 234 points, which was over the projected point total of 225, and Houston covered as a 6-point favorite.
Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Nuggets are involved, as 58.1 percent of their contests have ended under the O/U total. Denver has a respectable 30-13 straight up (SU) record, but they have a hard time covering the spread (17-20-6 against the spread (ATS)).
Games including the Rockets also have typically finished under the total (57.1 percent). Additionally, Houston owns records of 26-16 SU and 20-22 ATS.
It will be a matchup of contrasting tempos as the fast-breaking Rockets will look to push the slower-paced Nuggets. The Rockets currently rank third in possessions per game while the Nuggets are 28th.
Nuggets vs. Rockets Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Nuggets, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Nuggets rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Rockets rank 17th (8.0).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (44.2) while Denver ranks 28th (29.8).
- The Nuggets rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (11.9) while the Rockets rank 26th (15.8).
- Denver averages 50.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Houston ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.5).
- Houston ranks fifth in rebounds per game (47.3) while Denver ranks 19th (44.8).
- The Nuggets rank fourth in assists per game (26.2) while the Rockets rank 27th (21.5).
- The Nuggets average 13.9 second chance points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Rockets rank 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
- Denver ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.5) while Houston ranks 25th (18.5).
- Denver is 11-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Houston is 3-0.
- The Nuggets are 28-9 when they score more than 100 points, while the Rockets are 26-14.
- Houston is 10-11 ATS at home, while Denver is 9-8-3 ATS on the road.
- In 20 road games, the Nuggets have 10 overs and 10 unders.
- The Rockets have 11 overs and 10 unders in 21 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Denver and Houston have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Nuggets are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 1-4.
- The Nuggets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 3.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 115.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 116.6 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
