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.

The Denver Nuggets were dealt a shocking injury absence from Nikola Jokic tonight prior to a 128-108 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back.

With its second win over Memphis in as many tries, the Houston Rockets finally have a breathable gap at No. 2 in the Western Conference, but won’t be ready to l