Atlanta Hawks (18-21) vs. Denver Nuggets (25-12)
January 9, 2026 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Denver Nuggets -1.5; Over/Under: 235.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Atlanta Hawks at the Ball Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Nuggets vs Hawks Prediction. This article will include a Nuggets vs Hawks Pick.
Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
The Atlanta Hawks have been in decent form as they’ve won three of their last five games overall and they will be eager to build some momentum after blowing past the slumping Pelicans in a 117-100 win on Wednesday. Zaccharie Risacher nailed seven 3-pointers to lead the way with 25 points on eight of 13 shooting, Jalen Johnson added 19 points with eight rebounds and five assists while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 17 points and six assists. As a team, the Hawks shot 46 percent from the field and 18 of 47 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 37 points in the first quarter to jump out to a double-digit lead. Before they dominated the third quarter by 24-13 to lead by as many as 25 points.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have hit a few speed bumps lately as they’ve been hit hard by injuries. But they are coming into this contest looking for a third straight victory after outlasting the Celtics in a 114-110 road win on Wednesday. Peyton Watson led the team with 30 points on 10 of 15 shooting, Jamal Murray added 22 points with eight rebounds and 17 assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr chipped in with 14 points off the bench. As a team, the Nuggets shot 45 percent from the field and 20 of 44 from the 3-point line as they withstood an early barrage from the Celtics. They fought hard to stay within striking distance until the fourth quarter where they went on a pivotal 14-0 run to pull ahead and earn the upset win on the road.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last nine home games against Southeast Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Hawks have lost each of their last eight games at Ball Arena following a win.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in each of their last five home games against the Hawks.
- The Hawks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games at Ball Arena following a win.
Why the Atlanta Hawks will win
- The Nuggets have lost each of their last four games as home favorites following a road win.
- The underdogs have won six of the Nuggets’ last seven games.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Nuggets’ last seven games.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as home favorites following a road win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the last eight games between the Hawks and Nuggets have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the Hawks’ last seven games at Ball Arena have gone OVER the total points line.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Tim Hardaway Jr. is one of only 10 players in the league to have made 6+ threes in consecutive games this season.
- Peyton Watson ranks 4th amongst qualified Guards for FG% (51.3%) this season.
Atlanta Hawks Player Facts
- Jalen Johnson has recorded 32 games with 5+ assists this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
- Dyson Daniels ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for points per game this season (124.1).
- The Nuggets rank 30th in the league for opponent turnovers per game this season (12.5).
- The Hawks rank 1st in the league for assists per game this season (31.2).
- The Hawks have recorded the largest comeback win from a Q3 deficit this season – trailed by 18 points @ Suns on November 16.
Nuggets vs Hawks Prediction
The Hawks don’t have any injuries at the moment, but they traded away Trae Young for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, while the Nuggets are still missing a bunch of players including Nikola Jokic, Jonas Valanciuna and Cameron Johnson. The Hawks have been struggling for consistency lately, but they made the big trade to ship off Young for McCollum, who should fit nicely into what the Hawks want to do. The Nuggets have cooled off a bit lately, which is expected given all the injuries they’ve had to deal with, but they still have plenty of firepower. They will be full of confidence after beating the Celtics in a nice upset road win on Wednesday. You can make an argument for either side, but the Nuggets’ role players really step up at home, and I think that will be the difference in a tight contest.
