Nuggets vs. Rockets prediction: Nikola Jokic to out-duel Kevin Durant in Houston

Malik Smith of the New York Post predicts Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will defeat the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Houston enters the matchup aiming to snap a two-game losing streak, while the sportsbooks list the Rockets as 4.5-point home favorites with an over/under set around 222.5 points.

Smith argues that Denver holds an advantage down the stretch due to Houston's recent struggles in clutch games. Additionally, the writer highlights that Jokic is well-positioned to exploit Houston's interior defense with both Steven Adams and Clint Capela sidelined by injuries.