Denver Nuggets at Atlanta Hawks: Game Thread and Preview

The Denver Nuggets (5-1) head into Atlanta tonight to take on the (4-2) Atlanta Hawks. Both teams look to bounce back from embarrassing losses on the road and recapture the momentum they had previously enjoyed to this point. This sets up to be one of the week's most exciting games, and could really be a barn burner.

Denver will likely be without defensive bruiser Kenyon Martin, who left the game on Friday with what is being called a bruised leg. Whether George Karl will bring Chris Anderson into the starting lineup, or instead choose to go with a smaller group of starters remains to be seen.

Atlanta looks to rebound from its abysmal performance against the Bobcats on Friday night, shooting a season-low 39.8 percent from the field. The Hawks suffered their worst loss since February of last season against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Nuggets have lost two in a row and seven of 35 all-time in Atlanta. Their last victory in the ATL came back on Dec. 12, 2006.

Mismatch in favor of the Nuggets —Carmelo Anthony vs. Marvin Williams

Carmelo Anthony has gotten off to the hottest start of his career, and appears to have his sights set on the MVP trophy. Marvin Williams has been struggling early, perhaps more than at any other time in his career, including his rookie campaign.

Expect ‘Melo to have his way with Williams offensively and score at will. Williams is not particularly tough or physical and ‘Melo has become one of the elite inside scorers in the league.

Anthony has also improved his defensive presence, and should cause Williams some problems on that side of the ball as well. I don’t expect Williams to find his way out of his slump against the Nuggets.

Mismatch in favor of the Hawks —Joe Johnson/Jamal Crawford vs. Anthony Carter/Aaron Afflalo

Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford comprise one of the most potent scoring duos in the NBA. Anthony Carter and Aaron Afflalo do not. 

Carter has been seeing the start at the two-guard for the Nuggets despite his inability to shoot the ball with any consistency. Afflalo provides some defensive toughness and lots of energy off the bench, but not enough to slow down either Johnson or Crawford.

Expect Crawford to score 20-plus against the Nuggets in this matchup. Johnson should be good for 10-15 points as well.

Key Matchup —Al Horford vs. Nene

The Nuggets Achilles heel so far this year has been their lack of defensive rebounding. They have found a way to win in spite of this, but this glaring weakness will come back to bite them, especially against a team that thrives in the transition game. 

The Nuggets, perhaps for the first time, saw this impact their performance last night against the Heat.

If the Nuggets can win the rebounding battle, especially in this matchup, they should win the game. Both undersized for the center position, this matchup will come down to whoever is more aggressive.

When Nene is assertive on both sides of the ball, he is one of the league’s most difficult matchups. Horford is a solid defender and a good defensive rebounder, but rarely crashes the offensive boards. Denver might get a lot of second chance buckets if Nene remembers to box out his man.  

Keys to the Game for Nuggets

• Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding

• Containing Crawford

• Nene’s aggressiveness

Keys to the Game for the Heat

• Transition defense

• Limit ‘Melo to long jump shots

• Keep Nuggets off the foul line

Prediction —Nuggets win 112-108