The set-up: Houston is 13-9 on the road this year and it comes in riding a two-game win streak. Denver is 17-6 at home and it won last time out. I look for these two Western Conference hopefuls to get out and push the pace from start to finish. The Rockets have not been great defensively, allowing 114.2 PPG, but they make up for it on the other end by pouring in 118.7 PPG. Five players score in double-digits for the visitors. Denver plays at a slower pace, averaging 109.3 PPG and allowing 106. But un-like Houston, the strength of the team lies in its depth with six players scoring in double figures.

The pick: Houston scored 121 points vs. Denver just a few nights ago and I believe we'll see another higher-scoring shootout in this one as well. With the visitors pushing the pace, look for this one to fly over sooner, rather than later.

10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the OVER Rockets/Nuggets.