Denver was dealt an unexpected blow an hour before opening tip Wednesday when Nikola Jokic was ruled out due to right elbow inflammation.

The Houston Rockets were in rebuilding mode a couple of seasons ago, and now it seems as if they're in contending mode. Houston has won four games in a row -- the last two over the Memphis Grizzlies -- and sits second overall in the Western Conference heading into its game at the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are playing the Dallas Mavericks in Texas. During the first half, Nikola Jokic made an excellent pass that got a lot of views on social media. Jamal Murray then made a three-pointer to complete the assist.

After Jamal Murray's best offensive performance of the season, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone defended his star guard who admittedly struggled to start the season. "I think the microscope on Jamal is a little intense,

Jamal Murray scored 32 of his season-high 45 points in the first half and led the Denver Nuggets to a 118-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks