This is a flat spot for the Hawks. They've won three in a row, including winning last night at Detroit, 118-114. Atlanta hosts Houston on Saturday night in a game that has far bigger appeal to its fans than this one.

Denver is a sneaky road team covering seven of its last nine games versus opponents with a winning record. The Nuggets are unconventional to Eastern Conference clubs, too, covering 10 of the past 14 times against them.

The Nuggets are off a bad road loss two nights ago to the Magic. Nuggets coach Michael Malone ripped his team's lack of defense following that defeat. The Nuggets also have revenge for a late January 14-point loss to Atlanta. So motivation shouldn't be a problem for Denver.