There is no way around it, the Denver Nuggets have to win against the Atlanta Hawks tonight. A loss tonight would leave the Nuggets with a very frustrating record of 11-11. Unfortunately, they face a Hawks team that has won six games in a row. What’s even more unfortunate is that the Nuggets will be shorthanded.

While the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic available, they will be without Jamal Murray against Atlanta. The team also has another key starter listed on the injury report against the Hawks.

The Denver Nuggets have listed Aaron Gordon as questionable against the Hawks with a right calf strain. Gordon narrowly missed the team’s final game against the Washington Wizards last night; he has already missed 11 games for the Nuggets this season.

In 10 games this season, Gordon averaged 15.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 55/53/78 shooting from the field. Gordon’s contributions to the Nuggets go far beyond what the box score shows. Capable of guarding multiple positions, he can spread the floor and be an all-out threat as a cutter. Without Gordon, the Nuggets’ offense is much more linear and far less layered. If he doesn’t play tonight, it will be very difficult for the Nuggets to beat the Atlanta Hawks, especially given Dyson Daniels’ recent play.

The Denver Nuggets face the Atlanta Hawks tonight at 6:00 PM EST.

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