Like the Boston Celtics-Detroit Pistons game in the Eastern Conference, we have another battle of two top squads as the Denver Nuggets host the Houston Rockets. The Nuggets are currently the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference at 18-6 and are 7-3 in their last 10 games, whereas the Rockets are 16-6, the No. 3 seed, and 7-3 over their last 10. Now, let’s check out this early Tuesday morning edition of the NBA in more detail below. Nuggets vs Rockets best betsTim Hardaway Jr. under 11.5 points – 9/10 with BetMGMNikola Jokic 30+ points – 6/5 with Paddy PowerAlperen Sengun under 8.5 rebounds – 20/27 with bet365The Nuggets head into this game as the top offence in the NBA, averaging a league-high 125.5 points per game. Not only that, but they’re second in assists (29.7), field goal percentage (51.7%), 3-point shooting percentage (39.8%), and fourth in free throw percentage (82%). Defensively, teams are shooting 55.8% on 2-point shots (20th) and 33.9% on 3-point shots (sixth). They’ve won four straight games, beating the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers. Their last loss was to the Dallas Mavericks. As for the Rockets, they beat the Los Angeles Clippers 115-113 last time out, and before that, they also lost to the Mavericks. The Rockets are putting up 120.6 points (fifth) and 48.9 rebounds (first) per game. They’re shooting 39.6% on 3-point buckets, are tied for third in offensive efficiency (121.4) and second in defensive rating (111.0). Find more great offers at our best rated betting sites.Nuggets vs Rockets previewThis is a challenging game to pick, but I think I’ll lean toward the home team, the Nuggets. The Rockets are allowing opponents to shoot 60.5% from 2-point range over their last three games, ranking 27th in the NBA in that span. The Nuggets are not only shooting 59.2% on such shots this season (second in the NBA), but they’re up to 63.5% over their last three, the best in the NBA. Not only that, but the Nuggets don’t commit many penalties, averaging 19.2 personal fouls per game, which is second-fewest in the NBA. While the Rockets have an excellent defence, especially along the perimeter, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets will do enough in the paint to edge out a win. Nuggets vs Rockets betting tipsFind the latest odds for Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets courtesy of BetMGM. Odds are subject to change.SpreadOddsDenver Nuggets -117/20Houston Rockets +119/20Total pointsOddsOver 233.510/11Under 233.510/11The Rockets have an excellent defence, but they’ve been a bit vulnerable against 2-point shots lately, which could prove to be the difference against Jokic at home. This spread makes complete sense—either team could win this game. It’s genuinely a coin flip, but the -1 acknowledges the Nuggets as the home team. Tim Hardaway Jr. under 11.5 pointsHardaway Jr. is averaging 12.2 points per game, and the bulk of his production comes from 3-pointers, making 2.4 3-pointers per game and attempting 5.8 per outing. However, he’s taking on a Rockets defence that’s holding teams to 34.2% beyond the arc (6th), and that rate is even lower over their last three games (28%). If you look at Hardaway Jr.’s game logs, he’s recorded 12 points pr more 12 times, and he’s had multiple 3-point shots in 11 of those. This could be a tough matchup for him. Back Tim Hardaway Jr. to have 11 points or fewer against the Rockets at 9/10 with BetMGM Nikola Jokic 30+ pointsThe line for Jokic is 27.5 points, so we’re certainly pushing it a bit with 30 points, but I’m willing to give it a chance. The Rockets are allowing opponents to shoot 60.5% from 2-point range over their last three games, ranking 29th in the league. Jokic has had 30 points or more in two of his last three games. Over his last five games, he’s had 28 points or more four times. In one game against the Rockets this season, Jokic had 34 points. Given the Rockets’ recent 2-point shooting defence struggles and Jokic’s past success, I’m willing to take a chance at 30 points or more. Back Nikola Jokic to score 30 points or more against the Rockets at 6/5 with Paddy Power Alperen Sengun under 8.5 reboundsSengun has recorded eight rebounds or fewer in eight of 20 games. One of those eight games was against the Nuggets, which came on Nov. 21. In that game, Sengun played 36 minutes and had five assists, which is tied for his second-fewest rebounds in a game. The Nuggets are allowing the second-fewest rebounds per game to opponents at 48.6. In that same game, Jokic had 10 rebounds, leading me to believe Sengun may have more issues with trying to out-rebound Jokic again in this spot. Back Alperen Sengun to record 8 rebounds or fewer against the Nuggets at 20/27 with bet365 Nuggets vs Rockets injury reportBelow are the key injuries to report ahead of this contest.Denver NuggetsOut: Julian Strawther (guard) – back; Christian Braun (guard) – ankle; Aaron Gordon (forward) – hamstring.Questionable: Tamar Bates (guard) – foot. Doubtful: N/AHouston RocketsOut: Tari Eason (forward) – oblique; Dorian Finney-Smith (forward) – ankle; Fred VanVleet (guard) – torn ACL.Questionable: N/ADoubtful: N/A Nuggets vs Rockets game infoDate: Tuesday 16th DecemberTime: 2:30am GMTVenue: Ball Arena, Denver, ColoradoWhere to watch: Sky Sports+About the authorRichard JanvrinRichard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.Find him on Twitter: @RichardJanvrinCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. 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