Houston Rockets to Face Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets After In-Season Tournament Elimination

The Houston Rockets are set to take on the Thunder and Nuggets following their elimination from the In-Season Tournament.

The NBA has assigned two additional games to the Houston Rockets 2023-24 schedule following their elimination from the In-Season Tournament Tuesday night. The Rockets will play the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Dec. 6. They will then travel to Denver for their fourth and final game against the Nuggets on Dec. 8.

The Rockets finished their In-Season Tournament of West Group B play with a 2-2 record. Their elimination came as a result of their 121-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks inside the American Airlines Center.

The New Orleans Pelicans won the Rockets' respective group with a 3-1 record to advance to the In-Season Tournament quarterfinals. The Pelicans' lone defeat came against the Rockets on Nov. 10. The Nuggets finished 2-2, while the Los Angeles Clippers placed last with a 1-3 record.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defends a drive by Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green during the second quarter at Paycom Center / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

A home meeting against the Thunder will mark Houston's first contest of the season and the initial meeting against Rookie of the Year candidate Chet Holmgren. The former Gonzaga prospect is averaging 17.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He has helped the Thunder put together an 11-6 record.

The Rockets' Dec. 10 game against the Nuggets will mark the fourth and final meeting of the season. Ahead of Wednesday's contest inside Ball Arena, the Rockets are currently leading their four-game regular-season series 2-0.

During the first two games inside the Toyota Center, Nikola Jokić has showcased his talents as a two-time league MVP winner, averaging 37.0 points, 20.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists. In their previous meeting Friday night, the Rockets defeated the Nuggets 105-86 to overcome a 38-point performance from Jokić.

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