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Rockets Face Uphill Battle in NBA Cup Makeup Games; Mavericks Catch a Break

HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets appear to be facing a significantly tougher road than some of their Western Conference counterparts as they navigate the makeup schedule from the inaugural NBA Cup. While the Dallas Mavericks are slated to face the Brooklyn Nets (for the third time this season) and the Utah Jazz, the Rockets are staring down a challenging back-to-back against the Los Angeles Clippers on the road and the defending champion Denver Nuggets in high altitude.

Tonight’s matchup in Denver will be a key test for young Rockets center Alperen Sengun as he faces off against reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. In their previous encounter, Sengun struggled, seemingly forcing the issue against the Nuggets’ star. While Jokic didn’t have an extraordinary game by his lofty standards, he still finished with a near triple-double (34 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists). Jamal Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. are expected to be primary threats in the paint along with Spencer Jones.

The Rockets will need a strong performance from their entire roster to overcome the Nuggets on their home court. Tari Eason is listed as questionable with a leg injury. Dorian Finney-Smith is OUT (ankle), and for Denver, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are OUT with Julian Strawther is GTD.

Currently, the Nuggets are favored by 1.5 points.

Following the game against Denver, the Rockets will travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Thursday night.

Game Details:

  • Opponent: Denver Nuggets
  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Time: 8:30 PM CT
  • TV: Space City Home Network and Peacock

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