Nuggets vs. Rockets Preview: Seeking Home-Court Edge One Last Time

The Houston Rockets will close the home portion of their 2022-23 campaign Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (19-60) will play their final home game of the season Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets (52-26) inside the Toyota Center. 

A win for the Rockets would give the team their 20th victory of the year, tying the win total from last season. 

And with a pair of contests against the Charlotte Hornets (Friday) and Washington Wizards (Sunday), Houston would be on a favorable course to eclipse its win total from the 2021-22 campaign.

"If we can win more than 20 games this year, that's growth," Josh Christopher said. "It would mean that we have gotten better, no matter what anyone says. If we can squeeze out a few more wins than last year, it would mean a lot to me and this team."

Rockets vs. Nuggets Broadcast Information

• Date: Tuesday, April 4
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Rockets Injury Report:

• Jae'Sean Tate (left knee soreness) OUT

Nuggets Injury Report:

• Jamal Murray (right thumb sprain) PROBABLE
• Nikola Jokic (right calf tightness) QUESTIONABLE
• Collin Gillespie (right lower leg fracture) OUT
• Zeke Nnaji (right knee sprain) OUT

3 things to watch:

Will Nikola Jokic return from injury vs. Rockets?

The Nuggets have listed Nikola Jokic as questionable due to tightness in his right calf. The injury has held Jokic out for the previous three games, which has led to a 1-2 record for the Nuggets.

In the three games played against the Rockets, Jokic is currently averaging 21.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 10.0 assists. The Nuggets hold a 3-0 regular season lead against Houston with Jokic in the lineup.

Keeping an eye on Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. has had a relatively healthy season after back surgery limited him to nine games during the 2021-22 campaign. Porter has played a significant role in the Nuggets' success, and his previous games showcased Denver could have a Big 3.

He recorded his third double-double of the season with 29 points (10-17 FG, 4-8 3FG, 5-6 FT) and 11 rebounds in 34 minutes to lift the Nuggets to a two-point win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Porter has since averaged 20.3 points on .489/.457/.790 shooting splits over the last six games.

Rockets need Kevin Porter Jr. to stay consistent with his scoring:

The Nuggets have had a top-10 offense in the league for most of the season. Denver is coming into the game averaging 116.1 points with a 117.1 offensive net rating.

The Rockets will need all the offensive firepower in hopes of recording their lone victory of the season against the Nuggets. And the offensive production of Kevin Porter Jr. will play an important role. 

Porter has been on a scoring tear over the last four games. He has averaged 27.5 points on .528/.500/.875 shooting splits. He has scored 25 points or more in each of his previous four games.  

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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