The Denver Nuggets will host the Atlanta Hawks on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, at Ball Arena. Nikola Jokic’s team comes into this game after a 132-121 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday, which improved their season record to 18-13.
Meanwhile, the Hawks arrive in Denver with their own momentum, having won four consecutive games to reach an 18-15 record. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Nuggets dominated their previous matchup, securing a decisive 141-111 win.
Both teams have released their injury reports ahead of the game. Nikola Jokic is expected to play for the Nuggets, as he’s not listed in the injury report. However, Denver will be without Vlatko Čančar (knee), Aaron Gordon (calf), and DaRon Holmes, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Injury Report ahead of tomorrow's game against the Hawks:
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 1, 2025
OUT:
Aaron Gordon (Right Calf Strain)
DaRon Holmes II (Right Achilles Tendon Repair) Vlatko Čančar (Left Knee Surgery Rehabilitation) pic.twitter.com/l3MaLyaxz9
The Hawks’ injury report includes several key players. Dyson Daniels (illness) and Trae Young (right Achilles tendinitis) are both listed as probable. However, Bogdan Bogdanovic (left lower leg contusion) is doubtful, while Larry Nance Jr. (hand), Bufkin (shoulder), and Cody Zeller are confirmed to be out.
Michael Malone Knew Nikola Jokic Was Special Long Before the World Did
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has believed in Jokic’s talent since the early days of their partnership. A 2016 comment from Malone that recently resurfaced proves his unwavering confidence in Jokic.
“You can talk about some of these very young bigs who are very talented, the kid in New York, Minnesota, Philly, I don’t know any of their names. I know this kid’s name, though, I know Nikola Jokic, and I wouldn’t trade him for anybody in the world,” Malone said.
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Jokic is now in his tenth season with the Nuggets. This season he is averaging 31.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
