In a tightly contested West Group C, both the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets enter tonight’s NBA Cup action at 1-1, locked in a battle for positioning. With no team clinched or eliminated, the group remains wide open, and point differential could decide everything. Denver holds a slight edge at +23 to Houston’s +13, but ultimately, the race comes down to one question, whether Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic will suit up for tonight’s showdown?

Is Kevin Durant playing tonight?

Good for the Rockets, Kevin Durant is not on the injury list and is expected to suit up tonight. There were no reported injuries for him in the 2025-26 season. The Rocket star has not missed a game so far in the Rockets’ 10-3 showdown this season.

Durant has been solid for the Rockets, as he is averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. In the most recent game, he dropped 20 points to help Houston extend their winning streak to five back-to-back games, beating the Cavaliers 114-104.

KD has also put up big, big numbers historically. Especially when it comes to the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic. He has averaged 26.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over 22 games against Jokic in his career, having a 15-7 win record.

Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?

Well, Nikola Jokic is also ready to face KD, as he is not on the injury report. This sets the stage for a heavyweight face-off. Through the 2025-26 season so far, Jokic has maintained top form and played in all of Denver’s regular-season games. Plus, he is putting up monster numbers, averaging around 29.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game. 

Additionally, Jokic is also hitting some good numbers. On November 12, he erupted for a career-high 55 points, leading Denver to a win over the Clippers. Expect him to bring that same all-around dominance tonight.

Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets Injury Report

Houston Rockets Injury Update

• Steven Adams is listed as day-to-day with an ankle concern and is questionable for Friday’s game.
• Jabari Smith Jr. also remains questionable as he manages knee soreness that has limited him over the past week.
• Tari Eason continues to recover from a hip injury and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
• Dorian Finney-Smith remains out as he works back from ankle surgery with no firm timetable to return.
• Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL before the season, is still expected to miss the entire 2025–26 campaign.

Denver Nuggets Injury Update

• Julian Strawther has been ruled out due to a back issue and will not be available tonight.
• Aaron Gordon is dealing with hamstring tightness but is listed as probable and trending toward playing.
• Christian Braun remains out long-term after suffering a left ankle sprain.

Predicted starting lineups: Rockets vs. Nuggets

Where to Watch & Game Info

Date: Friday, November 21, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Venue: Toyota Center, Houston

Broadcast: The matchup will be televised nationally on ESPN. Regional broadcasts will also be available in both the Cavaliers and Rockets markets for local viewers. For fans watching outside these markets, NBA League Pass will stream the game, though access may vary depending on regional blackout rules.

Streaming: The game will be officially streaming on Amazon Prime.

Game preview & prediction

The Rockets remain one of the West’s most dangerous contenders, backed by elite early-season numbers. They have an offensive rating that sits at an impressive 123 (league best). Also, Alperen Sengun continues to shine as both a scorer and playmaker, averaging over 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. If Houston keeps controlling the glass, it’ll pose a serious problem for Denver.

But the Nuggets are operating at a solid clip. They have averaged 124.6 points per game this season so far. Their pace is about 101.57 possessions per game. Denver’s offensive efficiency depends on Jokić-led ball movements. Prediction: Denver wins with a slight edge if they manage to limit Houston’s second-chance scoring.