Nuggets' starting five all questionable after Mexico City delay

Denver arrives in Houston with all five starters listed as questionable, Nikola Jokic among them with a right elbow sprain, after problems with the team plane kept the Nuggets in Mexico City until Sunday afternoon. The Rockets, meanwhile, are trying to end their first losing streak of the season.

The Nuggets beat Indiana 114-102 at Arena CDMX on Saturday behind 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists from Jokic. They were due to fly to Houston straight after, but players and coaches sat on the plane into the early hours before returning to a hotel, and did not leave until a little before 4 p.m. Sunday, according to Altitude Sports broadcaster Katy Winge.

Jamal Murray (left shin contusion), Christian Braun (left calf contusion and illness), and Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson (lower-body injury management) are also questionable, as is reserve DeMar DeRozan with back spasms. Julian Strawther remains out.

Houston is 7-3 after a 102-99 loss at Phoenix on Saturday, its second defeat in a row. Kevin Durant had 21 points and 10 rebounds but shot 5 for 14, and Alperen Sengun went 5 for 16. "We got to have a better start than that," coach Ime Udoka said. The Rockets will also be without Steven Adams, Clint Capela, Quadir Copeland and Julian Phillips.

The market has Houston at 74%, a price that leans heavily on how many of Denver's starters end up playing. If Jokic suits up, does that number give the Nuggets enough credit?