The Atlanta Hawks will look to score a big upset in Mile High City this Sunday against the Denver Nuggets, who are eyeing a win following a loss to James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers. Will the Hawks stun Denver? Or, will the Nuggets humble Atlanta anew?

Catch this game live on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM, Manila time

Away: Atlanta Hawks (36-41, 15-23 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

• Dejounte Murray
• Bogdan Bogdanovic
• De’Andre Hunter
• Jalen Johnson
• Clint Capela

The Hawks have something to expect past the regular season, as they have already assured themselves of a spot in the Play-in Tournament. However, it’s still not clear whether they will play at home or on the road in the 7-10 tourney. A win against the Nuggets can help propel Atlanta into playing a home game in the Play-in Tournament. 

In their last game, the Hawks failed to stretch their win streak to three games, as they lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday on the road, 109-95. Atlanta did not shoot very well against the Mavs, going just 40.0 percent from the field. However, they have connected on 48.6 percent of their attempts from the floor over their last 10 games. On the season, Atlanta is fifth with 118.8 points per game and has a penchant for winning possession battles, as evidenced by the fact that the Hawks are second in the league with 92.5 field-goal attempts per outing.

Home: Denver Nuggets (53-24, 31-8 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

• Jamal Murray (Questionable)
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
• Michael Porter Jr.
• Aaron Gordon (Probable)
• Nikola Jokic (Probable)

Denver has been inconsistent of late. The defending NBA champions have lost three of their last five outings,m including a 102-100 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers on the road on Friday. Still, there’s no denying that the Nuggets are a strong contender to win the title this season, especially when they’re healthy. Enter the health issues of the Nuggets at the moment, with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic all carrying uncertain labels heading into the Hawks game. 

Gordon and Jokic played in the Clippers game, though, so there is good reason to expect they will both suit up versus Atlanta. Murray, meanwhile, did not see action against LA. Murray exploded for 29 points in the Nuggets’ 129-122 road win over the Hawks back in December, but if he can’t give it a go this Sunday, Reggie Jackson should get another start for Denver. Jackson came off the bench and fired 12 points in 19 minutes in the win over Atlanta.

Picks

Spread: Denver Nuggets (-12.5)

Over/Under: Under (221.5)