Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Final Score & Over/Under Result — Dec 20, 2025

The market projected 235.5 points, but a sluggish first half signaled early trouble for the over. Denver and Houston combined for just 98 points through two quarters—well under the half-pace needed—and that deficit proved insurmountable despite a late offensive surge.

Houston's defense kept Denver grounded early; the Nuggets managed only 29 in the first quarter and 16 in the second, while the Rockets' controlled aggression held them to a combined 43 in Q2. Kevin Durant led Houston's charge with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Reed Sheppard added 28 points and 6 assists off the bench. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 22 points and 10 rebounds to anchor the perimeter and glass. Nikola Jokić finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in a quiet outing by his standards; Jamal Murray contributed 16 points and 7 assists, but neither could spark the Nuggets' offense until the final frame.

The second half told a different story. Q4 erupted with 68 combined points—the game's most explosive quarter—as both teams traded baskets in a frenetic closing stretch. But the damage was already done: Houston's 115-101 victory left the combined total at 216, falling 19.5 points short of the over line. Denver's recent form (120.1 allowed per game) suggested some vulnerability, and Houston's disciplined offensive approach exploited it. DAGGER leaned under, and it cashed decisively.