PREVIEW: The Denver Nuggets travel to State Farm Arena to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night , bringing one of the league's most potent offenses into a matchup that should test both squads' ability to execute under pressure. Denver sits at 15-6 and boasts the best offensive rating in the NBA with 126 points per 100 possessions , a weapons package anchored by Nikola Jokic's elite production of 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. The Nuggets rank second in efficient 3-point shooting and fifth in attacking the rim , giving them multiple avenues to break down opponents. However, Denver's defensive allowing of 116 points per 100 possessions sits right at league average , which could create vulnerability against an Atlanta team hungry to snap a losing streak. The Hawks hold a 13-10 record and are coming off back-to-back losses to Detroit and the Los Angeles Clippers , a stretch that has exposed some concerning gaps in their consistency. Atlanta's strength lies in elite perimeter defense that allows low-quality three-pointers, ranking first in that category, alongside league-leading spacing on offense and passing. Without Trae Young sidelined for an extended period with an expected return in early December, the Hawks have leaned on Jalen Johnson's outstanding all-around play. Denver has dominated this series by winning their last four head-to-head matchups, and this marks their first meeting of the season , setting up a clash where Denver's overwhelming offensive firepower will square off against Atlanta's defensive structure.