In the aftermath of the first blockbuster trade of 2026, the Trae Young-less Atlanta Hawks face a Denver Nuggets team that’s without Nikola Jokic.
This will be Atlanta’s first game without Young in the organization, but certainly not the first without him on the floor. He’s missed most of the season, and now that the team has closure, it can take advantage of a depleted Denver squad.
My Hawks at Nuggets predictions and free NBA picks include an Atlanta road win on Friday, January 9.
Hawks vs Nuggets prediction
Hawks vs Nuggets best bet: Hawks moneyline (-105)
The Atlanta Hawks finally pulled the trigger, trading the oft-injured Trae Young to Washington for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert.
The deal hasn’t been formalized yet, but it’s expected to get the stamp of approval by game time. The new acquisitions still won’t play, regardless. McCollum is battling quad soreness of his own, while Kispert has a balky hamstring.
Still, the Hawks now have closure on the Young saga, and the team is officially in the hands of the pair of 20-point scorers it developed in Young’s absence — Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Kristaps Porzingis should also be available after returning recently from illness.
While Atlanta is adding to its firepower, the Denver Nuggets will be without a few key weapons. In addition to Jokic being sidelined by knee trouble, his backup Jonas Valanciunas (calf) and shooter Cam Johnson (knee) will also be out. That’s nearly 50 points and 20 rebounds of production a night that will be in street clothes.
The Hawks have gone 16-13 without Young this season. They'll make it 17-13 tonight.
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Hawks vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Something’s got to give. Denver plays at the fifth-slowest pace in the league, while Atlanta has the second-fastest. Jokic has missed the last five games, and Denver has gone Under in three of them. Only one of the five games had an Over/Under total cutoff as high as tonight's.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have been Under four of the last five.
Casuals drawn by the big news of the week are messing with the individual props line, which creates an opportunity.
Johnson is averaging 23.5 points this season and 22.8 over the last five. Yes, the Hawks just traded their franchise scoring leader, and that’s making headlines, but nothing has changed for the Hawks on the floor. Johnson will continue doing what he’s doing. There's no reason for his Over/Under to be a point above his season average.
Hawks vs Nuggets SGP
- Hawks moneyline
- Under 233.5
- Jalen Johnson Under 24.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: A Mile High, but Not in the Post
Porzingis' minutes and shots are increasing, and he won’t be facing Jokic or Valanciunas. Playing opposite Zeke Nnaji instead, look for Porzingis to eat.
Hawks vs Nuggets SGP
- Hawks moneyline
- Under 233.5
- Jalen Johnson Under 24.5 points
- Kristaps Porzingis Over 14.5 points
Hawks vs Nuggets odds
- Spread: Hawks +1 (-115) | Nuggets -1 (-105)
- Moneyline: Hawks -105 | Nuggets -115
- Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Nuggets betting trend to know
Atlanta has won five of the last seven ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Hawks vs Nuggets
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SE-ATL, ALT |
Hawks vs Nuggets latest injuries
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