The rampaging Rockets

It’s been one heck of a stretch for the Houston Rockets, who have been performing well offensively and defensively. They are now winners of eight straight games, five of which have come by 17 or more points. With an 11-3 record, they are number two in the Western Conference and well within reach for the best record in the league.

James Harden has turned into offensive cyborg in the Rockets’ current streak, pouring in 42.1 points, 7.5 assists, and an eye-popping 6.4 threes per game during that span. Such numbers are likely unsustainable, but with the way his team run an offense and how fast everyone’s pace is nowadays, it’s not that far-fetched. The Nuggets are sure to slow the pace down to contain Harden, but note that he averaged 30.5 points and 10 assists against them this past season.

The other main weapons of the Rockets just potent as well. Harden’s co-All-Star buddy, Russell Westbrook, is still a triple-double machine (three on the season) and he’ll be coming off a 28-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist performance. Clint Capela, meanwhile, has four consecutive 20-rebound games and has also recorded four or more blocks in three of his last five outings.

The Nuggets’ under-the-radar offense

The Denver Nuggets stand at 9-3 in the West, one spot behind the Rockets. They have the third slowest pace in the league but blew past that ranking and showcased scoring efficiency in Monday’s 131-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. It was their highest output this season and they did it while on the road.

The Nuggets have an arsenal of offensive-minded players to counter any impending scoring outburst from Harden and/or Westbrook. Their man at the point, Jamal Murray, is both a scorer and a shooter (19.2 PPG) and he just posted season-highs 39 points and seven threes in the Grizzlies victory. Nikola Jokic throws his weight around the rim and fills the stat sheet well (16.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 6.0 APG), and will be in an interesting battle with Capela.

Will Barton, Paul Millsap, and Gary Harris are also capable scorers that can provide quality offense on any given day. Consider Barton and Harris to be x-factors for the Nuggets, as they are likely match-ups with Harden. The two should take aim on Harden’s weakness on defense and sap some energy away for his offensive duties.

PREDICTION:

The Nuggets will show their might on defense, but in the end, the Rockets will extend their streak courtesy of Harden and Westbrook’s strong play.