The Denver Nuggets are at home on Monday night as they host the Houston Rockets in a Western Conference showdown.
Denver enters Monday’s game with an 18-6 record after defeating the Sacramento Kings on the road in dominant fashion on Thursday night.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15)Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In Thursday’s victory over the Kings, Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets as he recorded 36 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while Peyton Watson added 21 points and two rebounds of his own.
Now Denver will try to grab another victory on Monday at home as they face off in a tough matchup against the Rockets.
On the other side, Houston enters Monday’s contest with a 16-6 record after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers at home on Thursday night.
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Houston Rockets center Alperen SengunMandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Alperen Sengun led the way for the Rockets in Thursday’s victory as he ended the game with 22 points, 15 rebounds and five assists while Amen Thompson recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up another victory in Monday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Rockets Injury Report, Will Tari Eason Play?
For the Rockets, they have three players listed on their injury report, including forward Tari Eason.
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Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Houston has upgraded Eason to questionable for Monday due to a strained oblique which has sidelined since he suffered the injury against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 14.
Even if Eason does return for the Rockets on Monday against the Nuggets, it is likely that he will be on a minutes restriction.
Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (2)Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Rockets have ruled out Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith as they both remain sidelined while recovering from injuries.
Nuggets Injury Report, Will Aaron Gordon, Julian Strawther Play?
On the other side, the Nuggets have three players listed on their injury report, including forward Aaron Gordon.
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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32)Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dener has ruled out Gordon once again due to a right hamstring strain that has sidelined him since November 23 and he is not expected to return before Christmas.
With Gordon still sidelined, Watson will likely continue to start in his place while Jalen Pickett and Spencer Jones could also continue to have increased roles.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3)Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Nuggets have also ruled out Christian Braun as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain while Julian Strawther has been upgraded to questionable due to lower back injury management that has sidelined him since November 15.
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Fans can catch Monday night’s matchup between the Rockets and Nuggets from Denver at 9:30 p.m. EST on Peacock.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.