The Atlanta Hawks are poised to secure their fifth consecutive victory as they prepare to face the Denver Nuggets. However, the Nuggets will be without key player Aaron Gordon, who will miss his fourth straight game due to injury. The Hawks have their own injury concerns, with Dyson Daniels and Trae Young listed as probable, while Bogdan Bogdanovic is doubtful. Other players, including Larry Nance, Kobe Bufkin, and Cody Zeller, are confirmed to be out.
Jalen Johnson has emerged as a standout player for the Hawks, showing significant improvement this season. He is currently averaging 19.9 points per game, along with 10.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists, making him a strong candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award. Additionally, De'Andre Hunter has also had a breakout season, contributing 20.6 points per game and proving to be a valuable asset off the bench.
Dyson Daniels has made a notable impact on the Hawks' defense, leading the league in steals and deflections, positioning himself as a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Risacher, despite some shooting struggles, is improving and is in contention for the Rookie of the Year award. The Hawks have become a compelling story this season, with their players emerging as serious contenders for various awards.
