The Denver Nuggets will visit the Atlanta Hawks on December 1, 2023, following an impressive outing from guard Jamal Murray, who scored 52 points in the Nuggets’ 135-120 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This matchup features the Nuggets, currently fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 15-6, against the Hawks, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference at 13-9.
Atlanta has struggled at home, with a 4-5 record, while Denver has excelled on the road, boasting a 9-2 away record. The Hawks average 116.8 points per game, ranking ninth in the Eastern Conference, while shooting 48.1% from the field. The Nuggets, on the other hand, lead with an average of 125.1 points per game, outscoring their opponents by an impressive 9.1 points per game.
In terms of defensive performances, the Hawks allow an average of 116.0 points per game, slightly more than the 116.8 points they score. The Nuggets excel in shooting efficiency, hitting 51.2% of their shots, which is 4.8% higher than the 46.4% shooting percentage of their opponents this season.
Top Performers and Recent Trends
For the Hawks, center Onyeka Okongwu has emerged as a key player, averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic has been a standout performer, contributing 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game. Notably, Murray has been particularly effective from beyond the arc, averaging 10.0 made three-pointers over his last ten games.
In their last ten outings, the Hawks have recorded a 5-4 record, averaging 116.5 points, 39.9 rebounds, and 30.8 assists per game, while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents during this stretch have averaged 118.8 points per game. The Nuggets have also had a mixed run, going 6-4 while averaging 125.7 points and shooting 51.7%. Their opponents have scored an average of 121.4 points during this period.
Injury Reports Impacting Both Teams
Injury concerns cloud both teams ahead of the game. The Hawks will be without key players including Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Trae Young (knee), Jacob Toppin (shoulder), and Jalen Johnson (calf). The Nuggets will also face challenges, missing Christian Braun (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Julian Strawther (back).
As the Nuggets gear up for this challenging matchup, the performance of Murray will be crucial in determining whether Denver can continue its strong road form against a Hawks team eager to improve its home record. With both teams navigating injury struggles, this game promises to be a fascinating encounter in the ongoing NBA season.
