The Denver Nuggets will visit the Atlanta Hawks on March 15, 2024, following a commanding performance by Jamal Murray, who scored 52 points in the Nuggets’ recent victory over the Indiana Pacers. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST, will see the Nuggets, currently fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 15-6, face off against the eighth-place Hawks, who hold a record of 13-9 in the Eastern Conference.
The Nuggets come into the matchup with a strong away record of 9-2, averaging an impressive 125.1 points per game while outscoring their opponents by an average of 9.1 points. Their shooting accuracy stands at 51.2%, which is significantly higher than the 46.4% that opposing teams have managed against the Hawks this season. In contrast, the Hawks have struggled at home, winning only 4 of their 9 games, while averaging 116.8 points per game at a shooting percentage of 48.1%.
Key Players and Recent Performances
Onyeka Okongwu has emerged as a key player for the Hawks, averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. For the Nuggets, the spotlight is on Nikola Jokic, who boasts averages of 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game. Notably, Jamal Murray has been exceptional recently, making an average of 10.0 three-pointers over his last ten games, a statistic that underscores his importance to the Nuggets’ offensive strategy.
In their last ten games, the Hawks recorded a 5-4 record, averaging 116.5 points, along with 39.9 rebounds and 30.8 assists per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.8 points per game during this stretch. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have posted a 6-4 record, averaging 125.7 points per game, with 43.2 rebounds and shooting at 51.7%.
Injury Updates
In the lead-up to this crucial matchup, both teams are dealing with significant injuries. For the Hawks, key players such as Kristaps Porzingis (out due to illness), Trae Young (knee), Jacob Toppin (shoulder), and Jalen Johnson (calf) will not be available. The Nuggets will be missing Christian Braun (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Julian Strawther (back) as they seek to maintain their momentum.
As the Nuggets prepare to face the Hawks, the team will aim to build on their recent success and capitalize on Atlanta’s injury struggles. This matchup not only promises an exciting display of basketball but also highlights the individual talents of players like Murray and Jokic, who will be crucial in determining the outcome.