Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets game preview

The Denver Nuggets come to Toyota Center a hobbled team. The Nuggets will be without Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap, and Mason Plumlee. Additionally, Gary Harris is doubtful. Denver is currently 30-13 and in a fight for the second seed in the Western Conference. After losing Game 7 at home in the Western Conference semi-finals, the Nuggets are back and ready to go. The addition of Michael Porter Jr. has helped, as the rookie (technically it’s his second year but he missed last season due to injury) has been outstanding for Denver. After being limited in minutes early in the year, the Missouri product has dropped double digits in his last five games. Jerami Grant and Monte Morris are two others to watch tonight.

As for the Rockets, well you know they basically just...what was I saying? You know, play hard and stuff.

Nikola Jokic is an absolute star and Clint Capela will have to run hard to force Jokic into the cross-matches that he hates. The Rockets need to attack him at every opportunity in a way they failed to do against an injured Oklahoma City Thunder team.

James Harden has to be better and make some shots. That’s the most important thing for Houston but also it would be nice if guys started hitting shots in general.

Really, I think the city of Houston just needs a win. Over the past 10 days, the Texans blew a 24-0 lead in a playoff game, the Astros were hit with penalties for stealing signs and fired their manager and general manager, and the Rockets have lost four games in four different yet equally deflating ways.

The good news here is that no one will be talking about this game since Zion Williamson is making his NBA debut tonight.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT