PREVIEW: The Atlanta Hawks visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 9:00 PM , bringing contrasting trajectories to Ball Arena. Denver enters with a 25-12 record while Atlanta sits at 18-21 , yet the Hawks arrive off momentum from a 117-100 victory over New Orleans. Atlanta excels with elite spacing and passing (both ranked 1st) while maintaining quick tempo (2nd) , creating a dynamic offensive system built on ball movement and court spacing. The Nuggets counter with efficient three-point shooting (2nd in the league) and equally strong passing (2nd) , establishing themselves as perhaps the league's most complete offensive unit. What makes this matchup particularly intriguing involves how each team's personnel shape their strengths and weaknesses. Denver boasts a low turnover rate (3rd) and elite free-throw shooting at 81.9% (3rd), yet struggles with both offensive and defensive rebounding (26th and 25th respectively). The Hawks conversely force turnovers effectively (8th) but allow plenty of shots attacking the rim on defense (27th) while sporting similarly poor offensive rebounding at 23.4% (25th). Denver has won their last two games including a 114-110 road victory against Boston , suggesting the defending conference contenders have found their rhythm heading into this Western Conference showdown.