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.

With its second win over Memphis in as many tries, the Houston Rockets finally have a breathable gap at No. 2 in the Western Conference, but won’t be ready to l