Disturbing: The Nuggets may be Severely shorthanded again on Wednesday, according to NBA Updates due to inactivity of another set of Key Players

Denver (12-6)  sit in third place in the Western Conference, though they have had their up-and-downs since starting the season with an 8-1 record. However, after losing five of seven, the Nuggets have won two straight. The Nuggets are coming off a 113-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday despite being without three-fifths of their starting lineup.

Trailing by 11 entering the fourth quarter, the Nuggets outscored 36-16 in the final stanza as Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan combined for 20 points in the period. Jackson turned in his best performance since the 2021-22 campaign with 35 points and 13 assists. Meanwhile, Jordan, making his first start and just his third appearance of the season, finished with 21 points and 13 boards. It was Jackson’s first 20-point game since 2018-19.

The Nuggets are 8-0 at Ball Arena, tying the Boston Celtics for the best home record in the league. The Nuggets average 120.3 points a game and have a +11.1 scoring margin.

Denver Injury Report For Wednesday

Denver was without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon on Monday. The Nuggets could be without the three starters again tonight, as the trio is listed as questionable.

Jokic missed his first game of the season due to lower back pain. While Jokic was also dealing with the back issue on Sunday, the game against the Clippers was the second of a back-to-back affair. He was listed as questionable before being deemed unable to go against Los Angeles.  Meanwhile, Gordon has missed the last two contests due to a right heel strain.

The good news is that Murray is expected to play tonight, according to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports, as he has been upgraded to questionable. Murray has missed the last 11 games with a hamstring injury.

Hunter Tyson and Peyton Watson are also listed on the NBA’s injury report due to illnesses. Tyson has been out for the past two games, though he has totaled just 15 minutes over six appearances this year. On the other hand, Watson has played in the last two games despite being on the team’s report. Watson is considered probable for tonight.

Houston Rockets

Houston (8-7) will make the trip to the Mile-High City for a second of a back-to-back. The Rockets are coming off a 121-115 loss at Dallas last night, as they were outscored by 10 points in the final stanza. Alperen Sengun led six Rockets with a season-high 31 points. Fred VanVleet added 10 points and 12 dimes for his eighth double-double of the season.  VanVleet needs three more double-doubles to set a career-high in that category.

The Rockets are now 0-6 on the road with a -8.7 scoring margin. They are the only winless road team in the league.

Houston only has two players on the injury report, with both players remaining out. Victor Oladipo (knee) has yet to play this season, while Amen Thompson (ankle) has been out since Nov. 2. The good news is that Thompson was able to take part in non-contact drills during practice Sunday.

Houston and Denver are meeting for the third time this season. The Rockets have won the previous two matchups and three straight overall. But the Rockets have not won in Denver since November 13, 2018.