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.

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The last time the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings met, Houston led by 54-43 in the second quarter. Sacramento then made their next 15 straight shots. Over the ensuing 7:51 of game time, the Kings scored 33 points (a 200-point pace for Sacramento) and the game was essentially over.

Going into Wednesday night, the anticipation between the Denver Nuggets game against the Houston Rockets was huge. Both teams are on a four-game winning streak

Denver was dealt an unexpected blow an hour before opening tip Wednesday when Nikola Jokic was ruled out due to right elbow inflammation.

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.