Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 1, 2025

The Atlanta Hawks will open 2025 with a challenging matchup against the Denver Nuggets in the Mile High City on Wednesday night.

The Hawks have been on a commanding run, winning four straight games and going 10-4 since Nov. 27. However, Denver boasts one of the most effective offenses in the league, and Atlanta will have to be at its best if it hopes to upset three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Co. at the Ball Arena.

Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets preview, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The Atlanta Hawks will take on the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 1, with the game set to tip off at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PST).

The game will be available to watch locally on Altitude and FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast Atlanta. Fans looking to stream the game can also catch it on FuboTV.

Moneyline: Hawks (+180), Nuggets (-215)

Spread: Hawks +5.5 (-115), Nuggets -5.5 (-105)

Total (Over/Under): Over 246.5 (-110), Under 246.5 (-110)

Note: All odds are subject to change closer to tip-off. The listed odds are based on information available at the time of writing.

Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets preview

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles past Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook at State Farm Arena. Photo Credit: Imagn

These two teams have already met once this season, and the Hawks will be looking to even the season series after a lopsided 141-111 defeat at State Farm Arena on Dec. 8.

As teams approach the midway point of the season, the Hawks have an 18-15 record and sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. Quinn Snyder's team has won six of its last 10 games and has an 8-8 record in away matchups.

Atlanta comes into Wednesday's matchup riding a four-game win streak with wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors. A dynamic offense has been the key to the team's early season success. The Hawks average 117.8 points per game, the third most in the East.

All-Star point guard Trae Young has been the standout player for the Hawks over the early stage of the season. The gifted 26-year-old ranks first in the NBA with an incredible 12.1 apg. He also leads the team with 22.0 ppg.

On the other hand, after a sluggish start to the 2024-25 campaign, the Nuggets have bounced back, winning four of their last six games. This included consecutive wins over the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz over the last five days.

Denver has an 18-13 record, which places it fifth in the competitive Western Conference. The team has a solid 9-5 record at the Ball Arena and will look to secure another home win on Wednesday night.

Michael Malone's squad boasts one of the most potent offenses in the league, averaging a whopping 120.5 ppg. It ranks second in the West in the category, with only the Memphis Grizzlies averaging more points.

Nikola Jokic will be the player to keep an eye on for the Nuggets. The 6-foot-11 Serbian is one of the early favorites to take home the MVP crown. Over his first 28 games, the dominant center averages 31.0 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 9.5 apg and 1.8 spg.

Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets betting tips

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook drives past Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II at Ball Arena. Photo Credit: Imagn

The Hawks have been putting up big numbers over the last week, with the team averaging 132.33 over its previous three games. A big part of that has been Jalen Johnson's production. The fourth-year forward has been in sensational form, scoring 24.3 ppg over his last three starts. Johnson's point total is set at 19.5, and he should be able to go over that total.

Russell Westbrook is coming off a solid outing against the Jazz, finishing with a triple-double (16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) and shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. The former MVP has made a major impact since the injury to Aaron Gordon, and he is expected to play a big role in Wednesday's game.

Westbrook's rebound total is set at just 5.5, and the versatile forward should go over that number.

Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets prediction

The Denver Nuggets have a strong record at home and dominated the Hawks in their previous encounter. Aaron Gordon's calf injury is a concern, but a deep Nuggets lineup has plenty of weapons to turn to. Expect Denver's high-flying offense to lead it to victory and win by more than 5.5 points.