The Denver Nuggets look to run their winning streak to four games by continuing their dominance over the host Houston Rockets on Saturday. The Nuggets have won seven straight in the series and claimed four meetings last season by a combined 42 points. Denver has won four of five after an 0-3 start, while Houston has dropped four of seven since beginning 3-0.
The Rockets haven't been able to gain much momentum since their hot start, failing to win consecutive games over their past seven contests. "Everyone is trying to figure each other out," Rockets coach Kevin McHale told reporters. "It is a work in progress. You can practice a lot, but in our business the games are the test, and you can learn a lot more from the tests." The Nuggets seem to be rounding into form, as they held on for a 117-113 win over Minnesota on Friday.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), CSN Houston
ABOUT THE THE NUGGETS (4-4): Denver isn't afraid to push the pace, especially with speedy point guard Ty Lawson running the show and averaging 20.4 points and 7.6 assists. Lawson was poked in the eye driving to the basket in the final minute Friday but should be able to play. Getting small forward Wilson Chandler back from a hamstring injury has been a big boost the past two games, as he has averaged 15.5 points including a 19-point outburst against Minnesota.
ABOUT THE THE ROCKETS (6-4): Houston's impressive collection of talent hasn't fully jelled, as Dwight Howard (17.1 points, 14.9 rebounds) and James Harden (26.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists) learn how to complement one another. Both are putting up big numbers, as are Chandler Parsons (16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds) and reserve Jeremy Lin (18.4 points, 4.7 assists). The Rockets haven't been able to consistently close out games, though, despite leading the league in rebounding and ranking third in opponents' field-goal percentage.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Harden has scored 20 or more points in seven of the nine games he has played.
2. The Rockets lead the league with 47.6 rebounds per game, barely edging the Nuggets (47.4).
3. Denver C Timofey Mozgov has scored in double digits in a reserve role in six of the Nuggets' eight games.