Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Houston Rockets? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (December 15, 2025)

Nikola Jokic will be available for the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, clearing the way for a marquee Western Conference showdown against the Houston Rockets on December 15, 2025.

The reigning MVP has no injury designation on the latest reports, a welcome sign for Denver as it prepares for a high-stakes clash at Ball Arena.With both teams surging near the top of the standings, Jokic’s presence immediately raises the ceiling of this matchup. Denver leans heavily on its superstar in big moments, and with the Nuggets riding momentum, the Serbian center enters the night positioned to once again dictate the flow of the game.

Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets: Game Context and Stakes (December 15, 2025)

The Nuggets (18-6) host the Rockets (16-6) in a pivotal conference battle tipping off at 9:30 p.m. ET, with the game streaming on Peacock. Denver enters on a four-game winning streak, highlighted by dominant victories over Sacramento and Phoenix, while Houston arrives equally hot, making this one of the most anticipated games on the slate.

This contest also serves as a rematch of Denver’s narrow 112-109 win in the NBA Cup on November 21.

With playoff positioning already taking shape, another win would further solidify the Nuggets’ grip on a top seed and reinforce Ball Arena’s reputation as one of the league’s toughest environments.

Nikola Jokic Injury Update vs Houston Rockets (December 15, 2025)

Nikola Jokic appears fully cleared after dealing with minor wrist tweaks earlier in December. There are no restrictions or minutes concerns, and all indications point to a full workload for the three-time MVP.The numbers underscore his dominance: Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game while shooting an elite 62.2 percent from the field.

He’s coming off a statement performance in which he poured in 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a blowout win over Sacramento, reaffirming his MVP-caliber form.

Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets Full Injury Reports (December 15, 2025)

Key Matchups to Watch

All eyes will be on Jokic’s duel with Alperen Sengun, who is averaging 23.0 points and 9.4 rebounds and has openly cited Jokic as his basketball idol. Jamal Murray, posting 24.4 points and 6.9 assists per game, remains Denver’s primary perimeter weapon alongside Jokic, especially important given Houston’s defensive absences.Kevin Durant leads a depleted Rockets lineup with 24.8 points per game, but Denver’s depth and Jokic’s availability tilt the balance. If the Nuggets protect home court, this night could further cement their status as a Western Conference powerhouse.