Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025

Hawks hope to continue hot streak, get revenge vs. Nuggets

The Atlanta Hawks are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare for a New Year’s Day clash with the Denver Nuggets. With four consecutive wins under their belt, the Hawks are aiming to continue their upward trajectory and avenge their earlier loss to Denver, a 141-111 blowout on Dec. 8.

This road matchup presents an opportunity for Atlanta to solidify its resurgence, while Denver looks to maintain its dominant form behind MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic and a deep roster.

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Hawks Riding High Amid Injury Challenges

Atlanta’s season has been a tale of streaks. After a rocky 7-11 start, the team has won 11 of their last 15 games, including an impressive victory over Toronto to open a six-game road trip. However, injuries could test their depth.

• Larry Nance Jr.: The reserve forward, averaging 9.5 points, suffered a broken right hand in a win against Miami and is slated for surgery.
• Bogdan Bogdanovic: The sharpshooting guard has missed four games with a lower-leg contusion and remains doubtful for the matchup against Denver.

Despite these setbacks, the Hawks have found ways to succeed, largely thanks to the stellar play of their core contributors.

Key Players for Atlanta:

• Trae Young: The dynamic guard is the team’s engine, averaging 22 points and a league-leading 12.1 assists per game. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates will be critical against Denver’s defense.
• Jalen Johnson: Emerging as a consistent performer, Johnson is averaging 19.9 points and a team-high 10.2 rebounds per game. His battle on the boards against Jokic will be pivotal.
• De’Andre Hunter: Averaging 20.6 points off the bench, Hunter is making a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year. His scoring punch has provided the Hawks with much-needed depth.

“We need big moments from certain guys, and Dre has been doing great for us,” Young said. “That’s Sixth Man of the Year right there if we keep winning.”

Nuggets Rely on MVP-Caliber Jokic and Westbrook’s Resurgence

The Denver Nuggets, bolstered by their December victory over Atlanta, remain one of the league’s premier teams. At the heart of their success is two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is building a strong case for a third award this season.

Key Players for Denver:

• Nikola Jokic: The centerpiece of Denver’s attack, Jokic is averaging 31 points (second in the NBA), 12.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. He leads the league in triple-doubles, including his 13th in a win against Utah on Monday.
• Russell Westbrook: Injuries have thrust Westbrook into the starting lineup, where he’s delivered. He recently notched his 201st career triple-double and is averaging 12.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. His energy and leadership have been invaluable in Aaron Gordon’s absence.
• Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.: Murray (19.8 points per game) and Porter Jr. (18.7 points per game) provide consistent scoring options, complementing Jokic’s all-around game.

Head coach Michael Malone praised Westbrook’s tenacity: “He came here for one reason, and that’s to help us win a championship. I’ll go to war with Russell Westbrook any day.”

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Matchup Preview: Keys to the Game

The Hawks and Nuggets bring contrasting styles to the court, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown.

Atlanta’s Path to Victory:

1. Trae Young’s Playmaking: Denver will likely deploy defensive schemes to disrupt Young’s rhythm. The Hawks’ success depends on his ability to find open teammates and generate efficient offense.
2. Defensive Focus on Jokic: Atlanta must find ways to contain Jokic, particularly limiting his playmaking ability. Defensive adjustments could involve doubling him in the post or crowding passing lanes.
3. Bench Contributions: De’Andre Hunter and the Hawks’ reserves need to match Denver’s depth, especially with key injuries to Nance and Bogdanovic.

Denver’s Path to Victory:

1. Jokic’s Dominance: As the hub of Denver’s offense, Jokic’s ability to control the game through scoring, rebounding, and playmaking will be a decisive factor.
2. Westbrook’s Energy: Westbrook’s contributions as a scorer and facilitator will be crucial in the absence of Aaron Gordon. His ability to push the tempo could disrupt Atlanta’s defense.
3. Perimeter Scoring: Murray and Porter Jr.’s shooting will be critical to spacing the floor and creating opportunities for Jokic to operate inside.

The Stakes

This matchup carries implications for both teams. The Hawks aim to prove their recent surge is no fluke and solidify their place among the Eastern Conference contenders. Meanwhile, the Nuggets seek to reinforce their position as championship favorites while maintaining their home dominance.

With star power on both sides and contrasting storylines, this New Year’s Day battle promises to deliver excitement and drama.

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Conclusion

The Hawks and Nuggets bring intriguing narratives and standout performances into this highly anticipated clash. For Atlanta, maintaining their momentum hinges on Trae Young’s leadership and key contributions from their bench. Denver, on the other hand, will look to Jokic and their supporting cast to continue their winning ways.

No matter the outcome, this game serves as a litmus test for both teams’ aspirations as the season progresses. Will the Hawks continue their hot streak, or will Jokic and the Nuggets reaffirm their dominance?