The Denver Nuggets play host to the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena on Monday.

The Rockets (0-1) have had more issues off the court than any other team in the NBA and it's led to them playing just one epic game thus far. Not only have they had to deal with the non-stop James Harden trade rumors, but there's also a bunch of players missing games because of COVID protocols. That left this roster very thin in their opener on Saturday but they narrowly lost in overtime to the Portland Trail Blazers. Harden looked ready to play in that game too, providing 44 points and 17 assists in a vintage performance. What's frustrating about the COVID situation is the fact that DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall continue to miss games. Those are former All-Stars who need to get acclimated with their new team and need to play to dust off some of the rust from their long-term injuries. Neither of them will be ready here though, so, look for Harden to dominate yet again.

The Nuggets (0-2) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the early going, starting off winless in their first two games of the season. What's really frustrating is the nature of those losses, blowing a game to the Sacramento Kings in the opener and getting blown out by the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day. The simple fact is, no one is helping Nikola Jokic right now. The superstar big man is averaging 29.5 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists through the first two games of the season and it's sad this team isn't getting wins behind gaudy numbers like those. That means Jamal Murray and Michael Porter need to step up around Jokic to get this team out of their early 0-2 rut.

These teams split their four-game season series last year, with the home team prevailing in all four fixtures. Prior to that, Houston won 10 of their previous 11 games over Denver.