Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Preview

Nov 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) dribbles the ball against Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin (left) during the second half at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 122-111. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

After clinching a playoff spot Friday night in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets host the lottery-bound Denver Nuggets Sunday evening. Here’s a look at the matchup by the numbers:

3

The number of games the Rockets are behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the 3rd seed in the west. Should the playoffs start today, the Rockets would have home court advantage in a first round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, who they beat 3 out of 4 times in the regular season.

With 7 games remaining, the Blazers hold on to the 5th seed by 1.5 games over the Golden State Warriors, who split the season series against the Rockets, 2 to 2.

100

The 100 point mark will be the main focus for the Rockets defense Sunday: The Nuggets have lost their last 23 games when not scoring 100.

11.6, 4.6

Aaron Brooks will make his return to Toyota Center after being dealt at the deadline; Brooks is averaging 11.6 points and 4.6 assists with the Nuggets, as he’s getting ample playing time now.

30.7

The number of points James Harden has averaged over the past 4 games, without Patrick Beverley and Dwight Howard in the starting lineup.