Nuggets Just 2-4 as Home Favorite ATS, Laying 2 Points to Rockets
- Rockets visit Nuggets in a meeting of division leaders
- James Harden leading the league in scoring at 39.2 points per game
- Get the odds, our pick, and all the info you need to bet the game below
The NBA’s hottest team — powered by the league’s most dominant scorer — will measure just how far they’ve come from a sluggish start to the season as the Houston Rockets (11-3, 5-2 away) visit the Denver Nuggets (9-3, 4-2 home) in a battle of division leaders Wednesday night at 9pm ET.
Since starting the year 3-3, the Rockets have reeled off eight straight wins behind James Harden and his insane 39.2-point scoring average. Denver, meanwhile, has reeled off six wins in their last seven outings.
Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | +120 | +2.5 (-104) | Over 223 (-110) |
| Denver Nuggets | -140 | -2.5 (-116) | Under 223 (-110) |
*Odds taken November 19
Despite Houston’s streak, it appears books are more concerned with their 7-7 record against the spread, and the fact that Denver is traditionally one of the best home court advantages in basketball – even though they’re just 2-4 ATS at home this season. Let’s explore your betting options.
James Harden Leading the Way
After a scoring binge the NBA hadn’t seen since the arrival of young Michael Jordan to the association, somehow James Harden is bettering last season’s league-leading scoring average of 36.1 points per game, and moving into the rarified air occupied by only one other: Wilt Chamberlain.
Certified Bucket‼️ Go ahead an average 40 @JHarden13 https://t.co/NPLdJpW7AU
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 17, 2019
Harden is averaging 39.2 points per game, threatening a scoring average of better than 40 for the first time in nearly 60 years, when Wilt was pouring in points.
It’s getting to the point that his last outing against the Blazers seemed ho-hum, as the Beard led all scorers with 36 points on 11-for-19 from the field and 5-for-10 from beyond the arc.
There were 18 seconds left on the shot clock after Russell Westbrook goes coast to coast for the easy layup. Elite speed. pic.twitter.com/Z7sFdnQ9AS
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) November 19, 2019
It appears that Russell Westbrook is doing just fine as an MVP-caliber sidekick, coming off his best game as a Rocket Monday against Portland. He had 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. For the year, he’s averaging 21.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists a game.
The Rockets visit the Nuggets tomorrow on an eight-game winning streak. Over those eight games Houston has the league's third ranked offense and second-best defense. James Harden's averages in his last eight games: 42.1 pts (46 FG%, 42 3P%), 6.8 rebs, 7.5 asts per game.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) November 19, 2019
The Rockets are leading the league in scoring, pouring in just under 120 points a contest, but it’s not like they’re shooting that great – Houston ranks outside the top-20 in both field goal and three-point percentage. They make up the difference by leading the NBA in three-point attempts, a staggering 46.4 hoists a game, and nearly 29 free throws a contest.
Jokic Rounding into MVP Form
It was an uneven start for the Nuggets’ starting center, as the team came out flat, opening the year at 3-2, punctuated with a blowout loss to the Pelicans when they surrendered 122 points. Since then, they’ve found their way back to the top of the Northwest on the strength of their defense.
With just over 2:00 remaining, Will Barton's big block sets up Paul Millsap's second huge transition 3-pointer of the night as the #Nuggets staged their comeback. pic.twitter.com/3hT6cJsR5H
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) November 9, 2019
In their current six-wins-in-seven-games run, they have held the opposition to under 100 points in five contests and boast the fourth-best scoring defense. They’re one of four teams to hold their opponents to under 103 points a game.
Nikola Jokic (20 points, 7 rebonds, 4 assists) et Jamal Murray (22 points, 4 rebonds, 2 assists) ouvrent le chemin de la victoire à Denver face au Magic. pic.twitter.com/iyGCrUZjSA
— Jordanowski (@Jorda_NBA) November 3, 2019
Jokic has helped pace a balanced attack, averaging 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists on the year. Five players are averaging double figures, led by Jamal Murray’s 19.2 points a game. He busted out last time out, dropping 39 against the Grizzlies.
Denver’s strength is their depth down the roster. Murray is averaging the most game time at 33 minutes a contest, but there are no less than 10 players on the roster averaging 15 minutes or better.
What’s the Best Bet?
Talk about contrasting styles: the Rockets play at the third-fastest pace in the NBA, while the Nuggets are the slowest in basketball. We’ve talked about Denver’s defense, but the Rockets are surrendering just under 114 points a contest. Still, even if Denver controls the pace and get the shots they want, they are up against the most devastating scorer going right now.
Harden has led his team in scoring in every game but opening night, and has scored 29 points or better in 13 straight contests. During their current win streak, Houston’s smallest margin of victory is seven. They’ve also gone 7-1 in their last eight ATS. I’d advise riding the hot hand here.
The pick: Rockets +2.5 (-104)
Having worked in and around sports since 1997, Eric is truly a knowledgeable expert. The two-time journalism grad specializes in all things NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV's Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric's work has appeared in local and national publications alike.
