Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

Skyler Carlin | Staff Writer

The Denver Nuggets (10-5) square off against the Houston Rockets (7-6) Friday in the group stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Tip-off from Toyota Center is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Nuggets vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Houston leads 1-0

The Nuggets lost 124-119 at the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, failing to cover as 3-point favorites — the Over (219.5) connected. Denver has lost 4 of its last 6 games despite C Nikola Jokic leading the way with 27.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game.

The Rockets snapped a 3-game skid when they covered as 5-point home favorites in their 111-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday as the Under (213) hit.

Nuggets at Rockets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Rockets +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -2.5 (-115) | Rockets +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nuggets at Rockets key injuries

Nuggets

G Jamal Murray (hamstring) out

Rockets

G Victor Oladipo (knee) out
G Amen Thompson (ankle) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Nuggets at Rockets picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 110, Rockets 104

Moneyline

Even with their recent struggles, I'll back the NUGGETS (-150) to win on Friday. I wouldn't wager on Denver's moneyline at anything worse than the -150 odds.

Against the spread

NUGGETS -2.5 (-115) is the play as the defending champs are looking to get back on track sans Murray. Jokic dominated in the 1st meeting this season as he produced 36 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists, and he'll have another productive outing on Friday.

It's also fair to expect the other members of the Nuggets to step up against a Rockets squad that is still trying to figure things out under coach Ime Udoka.

Over/Under

Despite it being a low total, I'll side with the UNDER 214.5 (-110). The Rockets play at the 3rd-slowest pace in the NBA, while the Nuggets play at the 4th-slowest.

Both teams are also top 10 in defensive rating. The Nuggets are 5-10 to the Over this season, and the Rockets are 4-9 to the Over.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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