Preview: Rockets, Nuggets Clash in High-Stakes Western Conference Showdown DENVER (Interstat) — A marquee Western Conference matchup featuring two of the NBA’s premier centers will highlight Monday night’s slate as the Houston Rockets visit the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The Nuggets (18-6), boasting one of the league’s best records, enter on a five-game winning streak following a 136-105 rout of Sacramento on Thursday. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic continues to orchestrate Denver’s offense at a historic pace, averaging a near triple-double. In his last outing, he posted 36 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in just 29 minutes. “He’s the engine for everything they do,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of Jokic. “Our focus has to be on making things difficult for him, but he’s a challenge for every team in the league.” Houston (16-6) arrives after a narrow 115-113 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, also on Thursday. The Rockets have been one of the season’s early surprises, powered by the breakout play of center Alperen Sengun. The fifth-year big man is coming off a 22-point, 15-rebound performance and has recorded a double-double in seven of his last 10 games, including a 31-point, 14-assist effort against Utah on Dec. 1. This contest is a rematch of a Nov. 21 thriller in Houston, which Denver won 112-109. Jokic dominated that game with 34 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Sengun was held to 14 points. The Rockets will be looking to avenge that loss and prove their strong start is no fluke against the conference’s elite. “They got us last time in a close one,” Sengun said. “We know the level we have to play at in their building. It’s a good test for us.” Both teams feature balanced attacks. For Houston, Amen Thompson (20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists vs. LAC) and Jabari Smith Jr. provide critical support. Denver’s depth has been bolstered by contributions from Peyton Watson, who scored 21 points against Sacramento, and veteran center Jonas Valanciunas. The game pits two of the NBA’s top offenses, with Denver ranking first in offensive rating and Houston in the top 10. The key battle will be in the paint, where the Jokic-Sengun duel could dictate the tempo. “It’s always fun competing against the best,” Jokic said. “(Sengun) is playing amazing basketball. We have to be ready.” Monday’s winner will gain a valuable tiebreaker and early-season momentum in what promises to be a tight Western Conference race. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.