Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 5 | 2025-26 NBA Season

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Atlanta Hawks - Source: Imagn
Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 5 | 2025-26 NBA Season. [photo: Imagn]

The Denver Nuggets’ four-game road trip continues east on Friday when they visit the Atlanta Hawks. Denver, which opened the trip with a 135-120 win two nights ago in Indiana, hopes to extend its winning streak. Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) remain out, but Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are both available.

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Meanwhile, the just-as-hobbled Hawks look to end a two-game slide when they face the Nuggets. Trae Young (knee) remains out, while Kristaps Porzingis (conditioning) and Jalen Johnson (calf) are questionable. The Hawks will rely on Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher if the Porzingis-Johnson duo is unavailable.

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Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Nuggets (-254) vs. Hawks (+202)

Odds: Nuggets (-6.5 -105) vs. Hawks (+6.5 -115)

Total (O/U): Nuggets (o238.5 -108) vs. Hawks (u238.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.


Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks preview

Injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have made it essential for the Nuggets’ supporting cast to step up. When Tim Hardaway Jr., Cameron Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Peyton Watson and Bruce Brown deliver, the absences of Gordon and Braun are far less noticeable.

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If that group, or at least two of them, contributes, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray can usually carry Denver.

The Hawks' defense, ninth in defensive rating, has to be in tip-top shape even against the Nuggets. Denver has the most efficient offense in the NBA behind the star tandem of Jokic and Murray. The Hawks can’t afford one or both to have a big game against them.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker needs to run Atlanta’s offense with efficiency, particularly if Jalen Johnson is out. The Hawks, who average 15.6 turnovers per game, need to take care of the ball much better against the opportunistic Nuggets.

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Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks predicted starting lineups

Nuggets

PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Bruce Brown | SF: Peyton Watson | PF: Cameron Johnson | C: Nikola Jokic

Hawks

PG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker | SG: Dyson Daniels | SF: Zaccharie Risacher | PF: Mouhamed Gueye | C: Onyeka Okongwu


Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks betting tips

Nikola Jokic continues to dazzle with his all-around play. The leading MVP contender is averaging 26.5 points, 14.0 rebounds and 13.0 assists in December. Jokic could eke past his 52.5 (O/U) combined points, rebounds and assists props.

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Jalen Johnson has been on a rebounding tear. Over his last three games, he is averaging 13.0 rpg. If he plays, expect him to top his 9.5 (O/U) rebounding prop.


Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks prediction

The Denver Nuggets have been alternating wins and losses in their last seven games due to inconsistency from the supporting cast. Still, Jokic and Murray could lead them to a victory but allow the Hawks to cover the +8.5 spread.

Hawks Fan? Check out the latest Hawks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Michael Macasero
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