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Nuggets vs. Hawks: Key match up to watch

By Mitchell Carter

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets at Philips Arena on October 27, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets at Philips Arena on October 27, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets (21-19) welcome the Atlanta Hawks (10-30) to town after an abysmal two-game road trip.

Game one started with a 25-turnover game in Sacramento that lead to 40 points for the Kings. It was followed by a tough match-up against Golden State at Oracle.

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We can all assume the Nuggets are happy to be home. However, tonight’s game will not come easy. Many see this as a trap game, so the team will need to come ready to play. Here is the match-up to watch tonight against the Hawks.

Jamal Murray and Dennis Schroeder

Let’s face it, the Atlanta Hawks are stuck at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a fairly depleted roster. Still suffering from the departures of Paul Millsap, as well as Al Horford (2 years ago), they find themselves in a rough spot.

The lone bright spot has been point guard Dennis Schroeder.  He is basically the creator of the Hawks entire offense as he is averaging 19.8 points and 6.5 assists for the team.

It will be Jamal Murray’s task to slow down Schroeder. In Murray’s past 3 games he has posted a -6, -7, and a +10 in the +/- column. It makes sense that the Nuggets usually do well in games when their starting point guard finishes with a positive point differential.  If Jamal Murray can score the ball efficiently and cut down the turnovers, the Nuggets should be in good shape.

Next: Nuggets vs. Hawks preview

Overall Outlook

The Nuggets cannot overlook the Hawks in this matchup. They must keep Hawks offense from getting hot and the only way Atlanta’s offense will have a chance is if Schroeder gets it going. Look for Murray to come out tough against Schroeder on the defensive end and the Nuggets to play with energy. They are due for a breakout game that will get the team back on track in a competitive Western Conference.

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