Rockets try to stay hot against Denver

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Houston Rockets will take on the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center.

The Rockets have won two straight and nine of their last 11 games, including Saturday's 108-96 victory over these same Nuggets.

Dwight Howard had 26 points and 13 rebounds after missing the last 11 games with right knee soreness.

"I'm just glad that I'm back out there with the team playing, healthy," Howard said. 'It's good being on the floor. Just thankful."

James Harden posted a triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and Donatas Motiejunas added 25 points for Houston.

Denver opened a four-game homestand with Sunday's 99-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs and has lost two straight and six of seven games.

Arron Afflalo poured in a season-high 31 points to lead the Nuggets. Wilson Chandler added 14 points and Timofey Mozgov scored 11 with 13 rebounds.

"Guys are pressing," said Nuggets coach Brian Shaw. "I know they're tired, they're banged up, we're short-handed and I don't want to use any of that as an excuse, but we just have to find a way to get it done. We can't afford to get pushed around inside."

The Nuggets will also host the Los Angeles Clippers and Indiana Pacers on this homestand.

Houston defeated Denver on Saturday and won two of three against the Nuggets last season. Denver is 8-3 in its last 11 in the series.