The Denver Nuggets will take on the Atlanta Hawks on March 15, 2024, following a stunning performance by Jamal Murray, who scored 52 points in the Nuggets’ 135-120 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This matchup will take place at 7:30 p.m. EST in Atlanta, where the Hawks have struggled at home, posting a 4-5 record this season.
The Hawks currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-9 and average 116.8 points per game, shooting 48.1% from the field. In contrast, the Nuggets, fifth in the Western Conference with a 15-6 record, have excelled on the road, winning 9 out of 11 away games. Denver leads the league in scoring, averaging 125.1 points per game and outscoring opponents by an impressive 9.1 points per game.
Statistically, the Hawks allow an average of 116.0 points per game, slightly more than the 116.8 points they score. The Nuggets, shooting 51.2% from the field, hold a distinct advantage over the Hawks’ opponents, who have shot just 46.4% from the field this season.
Key Players and Recent Performance
For the Hawks, Onyeka Okongwu has been a standout, averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic continues to showcase his talent for the Nuggets, averaging 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11.1 assists. In the previous ten games, Murray has particularly shone, making an average of 10.0 three-pointers.
Over the last ten games, the Hawks have posted a record of 5-4, averaging 116.5 points, 39.9 rebounds, and 30.8 assists per game while maintaining a shooting percentage of 48.0%. Their opponents have scored an average of 118.8 points during this span. The Nuggets, on the other hand, stand at 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 125.7 points, 43.2 rebounds, and shooting 51.7% from the field, while their opponents have averaged 121.4 points.
Injury Reports and Implications
In terms of injuries, the Hawks will be without several key players, including Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Trae Young (knee), Jacob Toppin (shoulder), and Jalen Johnson (calf). The Nuggets also face challenges, with Christian Braun (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Julian Strawther (back) unavailable for the matchup.
As the Nuggets aim to build on their recent success, the Hawks will look to counteract the absence of key players and improve their home record. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA season.
