The Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets have faced off once already this season, with Denver taking the 112-109 win on the road at Houston on November 21st. Two of the top teams in the Western Conference this season, looking to make their case to throw off the Oklahoma City Thunder, they'll see each other for a second time on Monday night.

The Rockets have gone 6-2 since that matchup, while the Nuggets have gone 6-3. Both fighting for that second seed in the West, they'll enter their rematch in a similar situation as the contest prior, battling with injuries to key players.

The Nuggets' injury report continues to have familiar names, with starters Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) both remaining OUT as they've dealt with extended absences.

For Gordon, his most recent action was actually when they faced the Rockets last, but he appeared in just three minutes before exiting the game, meaning Monday will be his 10th straight game sidelined from the team.

As for Braun, he last appeared in the team's 130-116 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on November 12th, where he played just 16 minutes. Therefore, Monday's contest will be his 14th absence from the team, but Denver has been able to make due with Braun and Gordon sidelined.

Head coach David Adelman has inserted Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson into the starting lineup, as both players have had their bright spots with more opportunities.

The other names listed on the injury report include Tamar Bates, DaRon Holmes II, and Curtis Jones, who are all with the G League team, and Julian Strawther (back), who is listed as QUESTIONABLE. Strawther hasn't seen the court since November, and could very well play a role in this current rotation.

Fred VanVleet (knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) remain listed as OUT on Houston's injury report, as neither player has appeared this season for the Rockets.

Otherwise, the only other name of note is Tari Eason (oblique), who is listed as QUESTIONABLE. Eason hasn't played since November 14th, therefore missing the last contest between the Rockets and Nuggets.

Even with some injuries to key players, it'll still be a star-studded contest, with Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Jamal Murray, and Alperen Sengun headlining it. The Nuggets are riding a four-game winning streak and will look to extend it to five as they return home for a four-game road stand.

Tip-off at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday is set for 9:30 p.m. EST.