The recent defeat dropped the Rockets to fifth in ESPN's latest NBA power rankings. They've lost two of their last three games, but have also seen impressive production from Alperen Sengun. After posting a 33-point triple-double in Denver, the Turkish center is averaging 23.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists on 50-35-74 shooting splits.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are still big favorites to repeat as champions, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has moved back in front in the MVP race.

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The Rockets had already faced the Nuggets in November in an NBA Group play game. The Nuggets were able to come away with a close 112-109 victory at the Toyota Center. The Rockets were looking for revenge against Denver on Monday, and for a little bit it looked like they may even up the season series.

The Spurs, Rockets, and Thunder don't seem to be interested in making a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available.

The New Orleans Pelicans, last in the Western Conference, seek their first three-game winning streak of the season when they host the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time and recently admitted that he was not aware his calf strain could result in a worse injury.

Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun make never-before-done NBA history for Nuggets, Rockets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun are unlike pretty much any NBA players who came before them.