The Atlanta Hawks will go to the Rockies as they take on the Denver Nuggets. This is a part of the NBA odds series; let's make a Hawks-Nuggets prediction. 

Atlanta has a 23-22 record and is at sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They recently cruised to a 128-104 win over the Golden State Warriors, who were without Stephen Curry. 

Denver's record is 27-18, which pegs them at the fifth in the Western Conference. Their last game was a tightly-contested affair versus the New Orleans Pelicans, which ended in a Nuggets' 113-108 win. 

Below is how the opening odds for the Hawks-Nuggets have been set by the sportsbooks

NBA Odds: Hawks-Nuggets Odds

Atlanta Hawks +4.5(-110)

Denver Nuggets -4.5 (-110)

Over 228.5 Points (-110)

Under 228.5 Points (-110)

Why The Hawks Could Cover The Spread

These teams last met each other in February where the Hawks came out on top in a shoot-out that ended 123-115. Atlanta point guard Trae Young had a monster game and five other players scored double-digits. With their physical bigs in Clint Capela and John Collins, the Hawks won the rebound battle. 

After the trade deadline, the team will look mostly the same for their rematch. Atlanta swapped backup guard Rajon Rondo for another backup guard in Lou Williams, a pair of second-round picks, and cash considerations. 

In their last encounter, Collins had a rather pedestrian stat line, although it still resulted in a double-double. This time though Collins will be coming in hot, as he just dropped 38 points and collected 12 boards against the Warriors. He will be the X factor in this matchup.

Capela will be a lock for another solid performance protecting the rim and serving as a lob target for Young. He and Collins will have the unenviable task of guard MVP-candidate Nikola Jokić. If Jokić can be held to just 15 points like last time, then their chances for victory will be so much higher.  

Speaking of Young he has the keys to the Atlanta offense, as evidenced by his high usage rate. Expect Young to have around 20 points and 10 dimes, as he spots open teammates. He must choose his shots, especially those from deep more carefully. In his last two games, he has shot an abysmal two out of 13 from three-point territory. 

Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread

Although the Joker only had 15 points, his running mate, Jamal Murray unleashed his bubble form and erupted for 30 points. Aside from the star duo, four other players scored double-digits.  

Denver's lineup has more substantial changes compared to Atlanta post-trade deadline. They reunited with veteran center JaVale McGee and added versatile forward Aaron Gordon. Both players bring in much-needed defense. The former will patrol the point, while the latter can switch on different types of players, something the team has missed since Jerami Grant left for the Detroit Pistons.

Gordon will be on the starting lineup, so there may be a feeling-out period, but he would not be asked to do point forward duties, due to the presence of elite playmakers on the team like Jokić.  

Jokić is a threat to notch a triple-double every night and despite the Hawks athletic frontcourt, this match would not be any different. Murray has shaken off his slow start to the season and has been scoring at will. With Rondo gone, Atlanta has no guards that could slow down Murray. 

Final Hawks-Nuggets Prediction & Pick

Denver has one of the most potent offenses in the league and their two additions should cover up their defensive deficiencies. While Atlanta is a good team, they are not at the same level as the Nuggets, who are dark horse contenders. This will not be a cakewalk for Jokić and company, but they will cover the small spread and come out on top.  

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR HAWKS-NUGGETS: DEN 115, ATL 108 (DEN -4.5)