Free NBA Pick: Hawks vs Nuggets NBA Odds
Looking for Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Hawks taking on the Nuggets on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions.
(14-15) Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets (12-17)
Date: Friday, December 23
Time: 9:00 PM EST
Venue: Pepsi Center – Denver, Colorado
NBA Moneyline Odds:
NBA Betting Odds: Nuggets -3
NBA Betting Total: 221.5
Live NBA Odds
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Friday night NBA sees two teams that have played inconsistent basketball all season, but both still have the talent and expectation to compete at a higher level.
For Atlanta, the hope is to gain a top-four seed in the postseason, earning home court in Round 1.
For the Nuggets, the hope is to simply make the playoffs — a goal that is looking less likely despite improved play from certain players on the roster.
*All statistics, rankings and trends are current as of this writing at 12:00 a.m. PT on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks enter this contest as the definition of a current .500 basketball team. Although the team sits below that mark on the year (barely), it has gone 3-3 in its last six, alternating wins and losses along the way.
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So far on the year, Atlanta is posting 102 points per game. That number is only good enough for 22nd in the league, and it’s hardly complemented by the team’s 23rd overall ranking in offensive efficiency.
Defensively, this team has performed better. On the season, the Hawks are giving up just 103.9 points per game.
This, of course, makes them a net negative in terms of their average nightly margin, but their defensive efficiency ranks ninth in the NBA, which is what they will hang their hat on throughout the year.
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Denver Nuggets
Denver is the polar opposite of the Hawks. They rely on their offense.
On the year, the Nuggets are seventh in the NBA in terms of points scored per night.
They put up 107.5 points per game.
Defensively is where this group struggles. It allows 109.7 points per contest, which is only good enough for 26th in the Association.
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The bigger problem, however, is that the team’s offense — it’s calling card, if you will — isn’t as impressive as the raw scoring numbers suggest.
Denver is relying on pace over efficiency to score, which allows opponents the opportunity to score more than their average nightly output.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Hawks are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Hawks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
- Nuggets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Free Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets NBA Prediction:
On the year, the Nuggets are sixth in pace. The goal for them is to simply outrun and outscore opponents because of their subpar defense.
There’s just one problem entering this contest: Atlanta is also tied for sixth in pace.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: WAY Under 221.5
Considering these factors, it’s clear to see that while the Hawks aren’t typically a threat to score huge numbers, they’re going to be playing a game that they’re already comfortable with on Friday, and they’re going to be the far better defensive team in that style.
Give this one to the Hawks by a wide margin.
NBA Free Score Prediction: Atlanta Hawks 107 – Denver Nuggets 97
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