The Houston Rockets were up five points after one quarter, but coach Ime Udoka did not like what he saw. The Rockets were being out-rebounded and outscored in the paint by the Denver Nuggets, who were missing three-time MVP Nikola Jokić.

Wednesday’s meeting between the Rockets and Nuggets (+1.5) is the first between the longtime Western Conference foes since four matchups in late 2023.

The Nuggets are not invincible on 24 hours of rest after all. Back home after blowing out Dallas in prime time, Denver was dealt an unexpected blow an hour before opening tip Wednesday when Nikola Jokic was ruled out due to right elbow inflammation,