The Hawks will visit the Denver Nuggets tonight, tipping off at 9 PM EST. The Hawks are currently the ninth seed in the East with an 18-21 record, having gone 3-7 in their last ten games. The Nuggets are third in the West with a 25-12 record and are 5-5 in their last ten games. The Nuggets are in danger of falling down the standings without Jokic.
The Nuggets are currently –115 favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total set to 232.5. Below, I’ll break down tonight’s matchup and offer my prediction.
Atlanta Hawks at Denver Nuggets preview, prediction
The Hawks, as of today, have officially become Jalen Johnson’s team. The Hawks had a poor record with Young in the lineup this season and a better one with him out. It’s not definitive that this is what prompted Atlanta’s front office to move on from Young, but the Hawks’ mediocrity over the past few seasons combined with Johnson’s ascension this season is likely what catalyzed the move. Johnson’s putting up All-Star numbers this season, with 23.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 8.3 APG. He’s fifth in the league in assists and eighth in rebounds. He’ll serve as the offensive engine of this team for the foreseeable future.
The Nuggets are without their superstar big man and will be for a while. Jamal Murray has stepped up in a massive way, having recently delivered a robust 22 point, 17 assist double double with only two turnovers in a win against the Boston Celtics. They also got back two starters in Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, who will both continue ramping up tonight. They’ll have a home game tonight, and this team has traditionally done quite well at home.
Lakers at Pelicans pick, best bet
Best bet: Denver Nuggets Moneyline -115
The Nuggets will be keen to stay afloat as they wait for Nikola Jokic to join them. The Hawks are a competent team, but due to the massive home game advantage the Nuggets have, I’m siding with Denver tonight.
