The Atlanta Hawks will face the Denver Nuggets in one of 10 NBA games scheduled for Friday. This will be the second meeting of the 2025-26 season between the teams. The Nuggets lead the regular season series, 1-0.
Atlanta has had a difficult run this season, amid Trae Young’s uncertain future with the team. The star guard was traded to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, marking a huge change for the Hawks (18-21). The team is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta has relied on Jalen Johnson, who has been solid, averaging 23.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also been solid, putting up 20.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.3 apg.
The Nuggets (25-12), meanwhile, still look like contenders, holding third place in a tightly contested Western Conference. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.6 ppg, 12.2 rpg and 11.0 apg, but will be sidelined over the coming weeks with a hyperextended knee.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray will carry the offensive load. He has also been key for Denver, recording 25.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 7.5 apg.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets game details
The Hawks-Nuggets game is scheduled to tip off at 9 p.m. ET from Ball Arena. Fans can catch the live broadcast of the matchup on FDSSE, ALT, WANF and Peachtree Sports Network. Alternatively, the game can be streamed with NBA League Pass and FuboTV.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets betting lines
Moneyline: Hawks (+105) vs. Nuggets (-125)
Spread: Hawks (+1.5) vs. Nuggets (-1.5)
Total (O/U): Hawks (o235.5) -110 vs. Nuggets (u235.5) -110
Note: Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change closer to tipoff.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets preview
The Atlanta Hawks hold the advantage in their regular-season rivalry with the Nuggets, winning 52 out of 102 matchups between the teams. But Nikola Jokic and Co. have been chewing into Atlanta’s lead, winning the last six games against the team. The Nuggets last lost to them on Dec. 2, 2022.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets predicted starting lineups
Hawks
G: Dyson Daniels | G: Nickeil Alexander-Walker | F: Zaccharie Risacher | F: Jalen Johnson | C: Onyeka Okongwu
Nuggets
G: Jamal Murray | G: Christian Braun | F: Tim Hardaway Jr. | F: Aaron Gordon | C: Daron Holmes II
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets betting tips
Jalen Johnson has an over/under of 24.5 for Friday’s game, which is more than his season average of 23.5 ppg. He has also averaged less than the total in his last five games with 22.8 ppg. The under looks favorable here.
Jamal Murray has an over/under of 27.5 against the Hawks. This is also more than his average of 25.3 ppg this season. Moreover, he has averaged 24.8 ppg in his last five matchups, making the under the safer bet here.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets prediction
Bookmakers have the Nuggets as slight favorites to win Friday’s game against Atlanta. Denver has been one of the best teams in the league this season and it would be surprising if they lost to the Hawks, who are still finding their footing after trading Trae Young.
Our prediction: The Nuggets to win.
Read More: Why Did Trae Young Want to Go to Washington? Examining All-Star PG’s Trade Choice
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