Dec. 15, 2025, 11:32 a.m. ET

The Houston Rockets (16-6) and Denver Nuggets (18-6) meet Monday at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Nuggets lead 1-0

The Rockets beat the LA Clippers 115-113 Thursday. They failed to cover as 9-point home favorites and the Over (221.5) cashed. Houston had 6 players reach double figures, led by C Alperen Sengun, who scored 22 points and hauled in a game-high 15 rebounds. The Rockets have won 6 of their last 8 games, going 5-3 against the spread (ATS) in that span. They are 14-8 ATS on the season.

The Nuggets have ripped off 4 straight wins, all on the road. They beat the Sacramento Kings 136-105 Thursday, covering as a 10.5-point favorite with the Over (240) hitting. C Nikola Jokic scored a game-high 36 points on 14-for-16 shooting. Denver is 6-2 straight up and 4-4 ATS in its last 8 contests. It is 14-10 ATS on the season.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Rockets at Nuggets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:32 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rockets -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Nuggets -115 (bet $115 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +1.5 (-118) | Nuggets -1.5 (-102)Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Rockets at Nuggets key injuries

Rockets

F Tari Eason (oblique) questionableF Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) outG Fred VanVleet (knee) out

Nuggets

G Christian Braun (ankle) outF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Rockets at Nuggets picks and predictionsPrediction

Nuggets 123, Rockets 119

BET NUGGETS (-115).

Denver is surging, and it has the most efficient offense in the league. It has scored at least 130 points in 5 of its last 7 games. The Nuggets are 2-1 at home this season against teams with a .500-or-better record.

The Rockets have lost 2 straight road games, with a 10.5-point average margin of defeat in those. Houston’s offense hasn’t been as strong as of late, scoring 117 or fewer points in 8 of its last 11 games.

Bet NUGGETS (-115) to win at home.

PASS.

Combined, these teams have had 2 games end by a single point. This one should be close and isn’t worth the slightly enhanced odds on the spread.

BET OVER 236.5 (-110).

Both teams have elite offensive weapons. The Nuggets rank first in offensive rating, while the Rockets sit fourth in the NBA. At the same time, the Rockets, who rank first in offensive rebounding rate, should be able to generate some second-chance opportunities.

Houston has gone Over in 2 straight games, while the Nuggets are 8-1 O/U across their last 9 contests. Denver is 16-8 O/U on the season. Back OVER 236.5 (-110).

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