NBA: Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview, Odds, Prediction

The pale Atlanta Hawks continue their tour through the West to meet the Denver Nuggets in Colorado. To be honest, we never expected to see the Hawks starting the season this bad, especially after their last year’s playoff run. As for the Nuggets, they are playing in accordance with the expectations. Though we need to say that they now have only Jokic, as both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have to sit out due to respective injuries.

Preview

Atlanta Hawks (4-8, +150) have huge problems, losing five straight games, though, four of them on the road. We need to say also that the Hawks had a very tough schedule, playing with the Nets, Suns, Warriors, and the Jazz all away from home, and losing that single match in Georgia vs. Jazzers.

Hawks’ defense is in serious problems. They can’t reach the level and intensity of play from the previous campaign, so it’s no wonder to see them allowing at least 110 points in the past few events. By the way, Over appeared in four of Atlanta’s last six matches, and that is mainly because of their poor defense.

In a 110-98 loss in Salt Lake, Utah shot 50.6% from the field, while Atlanta posted lousy 32 boards, which is one of the worst if not the worst performance of the season. Trae had 27 points, while Kevin Huerter added 28. Cam Reddish scored 16 off the bench, while Clint Capela posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Denver Nuggets (7-4, -185) had a turbulent few contests behind them in which we saw MPJ’s injury, Jokic’s hit on Markieff Morris, then Jokic’s suspension and eventually a Will Barton-made win over the Pacers. Denver likes playing at home, and in the past three games at Mile High, the Nuggets posted three wins.

At first, they managed to edge out the Rockets, then beat the Heat and eventually, the Pacers, 101-98. The last one was without Jokic, and for the first time, neither of their three top superstars appeared on the floor. But that only opened a spot for Will Barton to explode and show his capabilities. He had 30 points, 11-for-19, with six threes and boards.

Zeke Nnaij added 19 off the bench, while Bones Hyland scored 12 with four assists also off the bench. This young guy could be Denver’s X-factor this year because he has tremendous potential. He might even replace Monte Morris in the starting lineup.

Head to Head

Both teams easily used the home-court advantage last season.

Prediction

Without Bogi and De’Andre Hunter, the Hawks rotation is somewhat damaged, and on top of that, the team’s morale isn’t good at all. Atlanta is in the middle of a road trip, with its players tired, and when you add all this, simply, they don’t have good chances of getting out of Colorado with a win. Especially because Jokic comes back after a one-game suspension, meaning that the fans will pump up the atmosphere once he steps on the floor. So, this should be a routine victory for the home side.

Pick: Nuggets -4.5 -110

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