Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks preview and picks

In Friday night’s interconference matchup, the Denver Nuggets (14-14) are playing the Atlanta Hawks (14-14) at State Farm Arena. Will Trae Young and the Hawks win their first game versus the Nuggets since Feb. 21, 2021?

Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks news

Leading into tonight’s intriguing clash, the Nuggets and Hawks are 12-16 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season. This contest will start at 7:30 p.m. ET. Not to mention, the game will air live through Altitude, Bally Sports Southeast and NBA League Pass. Referencing Land of Basketball’s database, these two contenders have played one another 94 times in the regular season all-time. Atlanta is 51-43 versus Denver. Plus, in the previous three meetings, the Nuggets are 2-1 against the Hawks.

On Nov. 12, 2021, the first meeting of this regular season, Denver won 105-96 at home. On another subject, in the never-ending era of COVID-19, be sure to skim through the injury reports for each individual game. Star players can test positive within hours of tip off. For example, the Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic, Solomon Hill and De’Andre Hunter for tonight’s home game versus the Nuggets. While none of these players are in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Denver’s Bol Bol was added to the list a couple of minutes ago.

An @emoryhealthcare injury report for tonight’s game vs. Denver:

Onyeka Okongwu (right shoulder injury recovery): Probable
Clint Capela (non-COVID illness): Questionable

Bogdan Bogdanovic: Out
Solomon Hill: Out
De’Andre Hunter: Out pic.twitter.com/OOm2s4Mb9Z

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 17, 2021

Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 226

Point spread: Hawks -3.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Nuggets +140, Hawks -160

Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks injury report

Hawks: PF Solomon Hill (out for the season) | SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (out indefinitely) | SF De’Andre Hunter (out indefinitely) | C Onyeka Okongwu (probable)

Bol was in the health and safety protocol earlier this month at the start of their two-week road trip.

He’s played 3:41 seconds in December, which all came in Wednesday’s loss to Minnesota. https://t.co/yORbOJeS1T

— Mike Singer (@msinger) December 17, 2021

Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks preview

Additionally, on Wednesday, in the Nuggets’ 124-107 home loss versus the Timberwolves, center Nikola Jokic earned another career triple-double, amassing 27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in 35 minutes on the court. Markus Howard had 14 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 17 minutes played. In their 17-point defeat, they allowed a whopping 75 first-half points.

On top of Denver surrendering 33 points in the third quarter, the team allowed 23 three-pointers. Despite outscoring Minnesota 48 to 30 in the paint, their defensive effort was atrocious. Following this loss, the Nuggets are now 8-5 at home, 6-9 away and 6-9 ATS on the road this season. The team ranks eighth in the Western Conference, trailing the top-ranked Warriors by nine games.

Referring to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Hawks have a 50.5% chance of winning. Choose carefully!

Meanwhile, in the Hawks’ 111-99 away win over the Magic, guard Trae Young once again scored a team-high 28 points in 30 minutes played. Forward John Collins finished his effort with one more career double-double, accumulating 21 points, 10 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 36 minutes of action. In the second quarter, Atlanta outscored Orlando 37 to 25.

While the Hawks were out-rebounded 46 to 40, the team scored 48 points in the free throw lane. They allowed several garbage-time baskets, but Atlanta maintained a double-digit lead to close out their performance with the dub. The Hawks have won five of their past 10 games. After this road win, they are now 6-8 away, 8-6 at home and 7-7 ATS at home this season.

Projected starting lineup

Nuggets: PG Monte Morris | SG Will Barton | SF Aaron Gordon | PF JaMychal Green | C Nikola Jokic

Hawks: PG Trae Young | SG Kevin Huerter| SF Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot | PF John Collins | C Clint Capela

Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks prediction

Moreover, the total for tonight’s interconference clash is set at 226. With regard to the spread consensus, 52% of bettors are hoping the Nuggets will cover the spread at State Farm Arena. Concerning the point total consensus, 58% of gamblers are anticipating the total will go under 226. As of yet, Denver is 8-5 as a favorite, 6-9 as an underdog and 6-9 ATS away, while Atlanta is 12-7 as a favorite, 2-7 as an underdog and 7-7 ATS at home.

For helpful betting trends, the Nuggets are 5-10 ATS in their last 15 performances this season. The total has gone over in their previous five games, too. Next, Denver is 5-10 straight up in the team’s past 15 contests, and the Nuggets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 matches versus the Hawks. Finally, the team is 10-1 SU in their past 11 matches against Southeast Division opponents.

On the other side, the Hawks are 2-4 ATS in their previous six performances. Also, the total has gone over in four of their last five games versus the Nuggets. And, Atlanta is 0-6 ATS in the team’s past six contests at State Farm Arena. Next, the Hawks are 1-6 SU in their previous seven games played on a Friday. In conclusion, the Nuggets will keep bettors on the edge of their seats, but the Hawks might win. If you need wagering assistance, review our handicap betting guide.