The Houston Rockets (26-12) travel to play the Denver Nuggets (24-15) on Wednesday at Ball Arena, the first game this season between the two teams. The Rockets won the season series 3-1 in 2023-24, with Alperen Şengün averaging 20.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and forward Aaron Gordon are not playing in the team's home game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.Jokic injured his elbow during warmups and was ruled out before the start of the game while Gordon is out due to right calf injury management.

"Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf strain) intends to make his return today against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous nine games," Haynes reported. With a starting lineup of Westbrook, Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Gordon and Jokic, the Nuggets will be getting a glimpse of who they could roll out come playoff time.

Aaron Gordon has been key to an improved Nuggets bench. Even when he returns to the starting lineup, Denver will need more of him when Nikola Jokic is off the court.

Aaron Gordon‘s return to the Denver Nuggets lineup has rejuvenated the team and elevated them to a new level. He has been dealing with a calf injury since early November.

Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets' typical starting power forward, has come off the bench in five consecutive appearances since returning from his second calf strain of the season. Denver has won all five games since,