In a major boost for the Denver Nuggets, their superstar center Nikola Jokic has been cleared to play and carries no injury designation for the highly anticipated clash against the Houston Rockets. The marquee Western Conference showdown is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, at Ball Arena, with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m. ET.
High-Stakes Western Conference Battle
The game promises to be a pivotal one in the conference standings. The Denver Nuggets (18-6) enter the contest riding a four-game winning streak, having secured dominant victories over teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns. Their opponents, the Houston Rockets (16-6), arrive in equally formidable form, setting the stage for one of the most exciting matchups of the NBA season.
This game also serves as a rematch of their previous encounter in the NBA Cup on November 21, where the Nuggets narrowly edged out a 112-109 victory. With playoff positioning already becoming a focal point, a win for Denver would strengthen their hold on a top seed and reinforce their home-court advantage at the formidable Ball Arena.
Jokic Returns at Full Strength
The availability of Nikola Jokic is the headline news. The reigning and three-time MVP has been dealing with minor wrist issues earlier in December but is now fully cleared with no restrictions on his minutes. He is expected to shoulder his usual heavy workload, which is a massive relief for the Nuggets franchise and its fans.
Jokic's current season statistics are nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 29.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game while shooting an elite 62.2% from the field. He is coming off a statement performance of 36 points and 12 rebounds in a blowout win over the Sacramento Kings, reaffirming his status as the league's most dominant force.
Injury Reports and Key Absences
While Jokic returns, both teams have significant players on the sidelines. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) are ruled out. Julian Strawther is questionable with a lower back issue.
The Rockets face even more severe absences. Key guard Fred VanVleet is out with a right ACL injury, and forward Dorian Finney-Smith is also sidelined. Tari Eason remains questionable with a right oblique strain, leaving Houston's lineup notably depleted.
Marquee Matchups to Watch
The centerpiece duel will be in the paint between Nikola Jokic and the Rockets' rising star, Alperen Sengun. Sengun, who averages 23.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, has often cited Jokic as his basketball idol, making this a fascinating mentor-versus-protege battle.
With Houston's defense weakened by injuries, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (24.4 points, 6.9 assists) becomes an even more critical perimeter weapon alongside Jokic. For the Rockets, the scoring burden will fall heavily on veteran superstar Kevin Durant, who leads the team with 24.8 points per game.
Ultimately, Jokic's availability, combined with Denver's superior depth and home-court momentum, tilts the balance in favor of the Nuggets. A victory in this high-profile clash would further cement their reputation as a legitimate powerhouse in the Western Conference as the season progresses.
