Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Updated Dec 20, after the final
Projected starting lineups and depth for both teams, by minutes over recent games: Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets, 20 December 2025. The written preview, odds and model sit on the main preview page.
Projected Starting Fives
Minutes this season| Houston Rockets | Position | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
Reed Sheppard 25.3 mpg · 10.7 pts  | PG |  Jamal Murray 35.0 mpg · 25.4 pts |
Amen Thompson 36.7 mpg · 15.4 pts  | SG |  Christian Braun 29.5 mpg · 14.6 pts |
Kevin Durant 36.1 mpg · 20.8 pts  | SF |  Cameron Johnson 30.9 mpg · 9.0 pts |
Jabari Smith Jr. 34.5 mpg · 17.6 pts  | PF |  Aaron Gordon 28.4 mpg · 12.3 pts |
Alperen Sengun 36.2 mpg · 22.4 pts  | C |  Nikola Jokic 35.1 mpg · 23.4 pts |
Starters are not published in advance. These five are the heaviest minute-earners on each contracted roster who can cover all five positions between them. Every game's starting lineups →
Depth chart
Quick answers2 questions
What are the Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets starting lineups?
For 20 December 2025, the Houston Rockets are expected to start Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard. The Denver Nuggets are expected to start Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones and Aaron Gordon. Each five comes from the team's recent starts, with injured players taken out.
Who is out for Rockets vs Nuggets?
For 20 December 2025, the Houston Rockets are without 5 players: Steven Adams (Out), Clint Capela (Out), Quadir Copeland (Out), Julian Phillips (Out) and Bruce Thornton (Out), and the Denver Nuggets are without 1 player: Julian Strawther (Out). Statuses come from the latest injury report and update through the day until tip-off.