The Denver Nuggets were able to defeat the hot Houston Rockets 111-94 behind the strong play of guard J.R. Smith and now sit just one game away from earning their fifth consecutive playoff berth, the Associated Press is reporting.

The win moved Denver a half-game ahead of Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot, and with a game against the lowly Memphis Grizzlies coming up on Wednesday at home, the Nuggets' chances look good.