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Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Atlanta begins a new chapter Friday night in Denver. The Hawks open a four-game Western Conference trip days after moving on from Trae Young, shifting the offense toward Jalen Johnson and a reshaped supporting cast that now includes CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Young’s absence has already forced Atlanta to adapt, and this game marks the first real test of that transition against an elite opponent.
Denver continues to navigate life without Nikola Jokic, and the results have been impressive. The Nuggets closed a 3-4 road trip with wins over Philadelphia and Boston, leaning on ball movement, switching defense, and Jamal Murray’s expanded role. David Adelman said the stretch validated the group’s approach despite missing key starters.
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Line Movement and Odds
Denver opened -7.5 and the number has moved to -8.5 as uncertainty around Atlanta’s rotation and chemistry set in. The Hawks sit at +8.5, drawing limited early interest as bettors wait to see how the post-Young offense functions.
The total opened at 228.5 and has dipped to 227, reflecting Denver’s slower tempo without Jokic and Atlanta’s expected adjustment period. Moneyline pricing favors the Nuggets around -360, with Atlanta near +290.
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Matchup Breakdown
Atlanta’s upside comes from versatility. Jalen Johnson has carried playmaking duties all season, and Kristaps Porzingis provides a size mismatch if he can log consistent minutes. McCollum’s familiarity with Denver helps, but spacing and defensive cohesion remain questions.
Denver’s advantage is continuity and execution. Jamal Murray has elevated his play, averaging double-digit assists since Jokic went down, and Aaron Gordon adds interior scoring and defensive stability. The Nuggets’ switching defense has frustrated teams that rely on isolation scoring.
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Injuries and Conditions
Atlanta Hawks
- Kristaps Porzingis, illness recovery, probable
- De’Andre Hunter, knee, questionable
See full Atlanta Hawks injury report.
Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokic, knee, out
- Jonas Valanciunas, calf, out
- Cam Johnson, knee, out
See full Denver Nuggets injury report.
This game is indoors, no weather impact.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Denver has covered four of its last five despite missing key pieces, and Murray’s control keeps the offense steady. Atlanta’s transition period makes this a difficult spot on the road.
Projected Score: Nuggets 118, Hawks 108
Best Bet: Nuggets -8.5
Secondary Lean: Under 227
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