Houston Rockets Add Clippers and Nuggets Matchups After NBA Cup Exit

The Houston Rockets will take on the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets next week after the team narrowly missed advancing in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament. Although the Rockets did not qualify for the knockout rounds, the league assigned two additional regular‑season games to fill the open dates on the schedule.

These matchups matter for Rockets fans in Houston because they add two meaningful tests against Western Conference contenders. The new games also help maintain the team’s early-season rhythm as Houston continues its push toward playoff relevance.

Rockets Slotted Into Replacement Games

The NBA scheduled Houston to host the Clippers at Toyota Center on December 6. The Rockets will then travel to Denver to face the defending champion Nuggets on December 8. Both games were assigned after the league finalized the eight-team field for the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Houston finished In-Season Tournament group play with a competitive record but fell short on tiebreakers. As a result, the team shifted back to standard regular-season action while other teams competed in the knockout stage.

Even though these games do not count toward the tournament, they carry the same weight in the standings. Because of that, the Rockets gain two opportunities to measure themselves against playoff-level opponents while continuing to develop their young core.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

Facing the Clippers and Nuggets gives Houston a valuable midseason check on its progress. The Clippers bring veteran star power, while the Nuggets continue to operate at a championship level.

• Both teams challenge Houston’s improving defense.
• Young Rockets players gain more experience against elite talent.
• Fans get another marquee home game at Toyota Center during a busy December stretch.

Because the Rockets aim to return to postseason play, these matchups help show whether the team can sustain its early-season competitiveness. They also give head coach Ime Udoka a clearer picture of which rotations perform best under pressure.

What’s Next for Houston

After the Clippers and Nuggets games, the Rockets will resume their normal schedule with several home dates before a mid-month road trip. The team continues to rely on balanced scoring, strong defense, and a deep bench to stay in the Western Conference hunt.

Houston fans should expect an energetic environment at Toyota Center as the Rockets work to prove their tournament performance was no fluke. Although the NBA Cup journey ended early, the team remains positioned to make noise through the winter.

This article is a summary of reporting by Yahoo Sports. Read the full story here.