The Houston Rockets have taken care of business for the most part in their last stretch of games against weaker opponents. They took a few difficult to explain

The Nuggets benefitted from one of their replacement games after the NBA Cup last season. Their task this week is to prevent Houston from taking advantage of a lucky draw.

Heading into the week, the Rockets are second in net rating at +10.3, and second in defensive rating at 111.0. They have fallen down to a tie for third in offensive rating at 121.4. They still lead the league in offensive rebounding percentage by a healthy margin at 41.5%. The Detroit Pistons come in second at 35.8%.

Nuggets vs. Rockets preview with prediction, probable starting lineups, and latest injury updates for the Dec. 15 NBA clash.

The Denver Nuggets haven't played a home game in two weeks, and that seems preferable for the team ranked second in the Western Conference.

The Rockets hope to welcome super sub Tari Eason back into the lineup on Monday night when they face the second seeded Denver Nuggets. Eason originally strained his right oblique back on November 14. At the time, Eason was given a four-to-six week timetable to return. Head coach Ime Udoka said he was "hopeful" that Eason would be cleared to return.

Denver enters a matchup against Houston after losing four straight home games. Monday's game will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams.

Julian Strawther practiced “hard” today and there’s hope he’ll be activated for tomorrow’s game vs. the Rockets 👀 “I’m very, very hopeful this week is the week.” - David Adelman pic.twitter.com/wvIftqG6MR