Joe Johnson and Co. in Denver

(Boulder-CO) When I take a look at the Hawks on paper they appear to be a team that could pose a problem for the Nuggets. They have a very formidable scoring quintet of Joe Johnson (28.7 ppg), Tyronn Lue (15.5 ppg), Zaza Pachulia (13.9 ppg), Josh Childress (13.3 ppg), and Josh Smith (12.1ppg). If the Nuggets last loss to Memphis was any indicator this game should be a barn burner! They shoot the three ball a little bit more efficiently and are not too shabby on the boards either.

The Nuggets are going to have to push the tempo through the roof tonight to be successful against the bird. I think that tonight’s game rests heavily on the play of Earl Boykins. Mr. Big Shot has been trying to find a way out of his shooting woes, but against the Hawks, it will be his speed and passing ability on transition that makes or breaks the Nuggets. If there is any part of Earl’s game that drives me crazy it is when he gets too deep on the break and ends up jumping on the baseline to pass out of trouble. If he can eliminate the unneeded penetration and dish early and often on the break all will be copasetic.

Andre Miller will be able to run half-court sets with more efficiency, but I think that the play of the point guards will be the determining factor in tonight’s win. Too many turnovers will poison Denver’s chances for victory, so it will be critical to limit mistakes on the break. The best way to combat the turnovers is to run, but when the first or second option isn't available, pull out, slow down, and reset. Then find Carmelo and let him operate before the double team flashes and be prepared to attack off the kick out while the Hawks scramble on rotation. Doing this will shake the Hawk’s confidence in double-teaming Carmelo and will open up the scoring for the ‘Melo one.

Carmelo is going to be tough to stop, (I know, really ground breaking), and Camby, Najera, and Evans should combine for about 25 rebounds when the final buzzer sounds. If the Nuggets score more than 110 points, I think they will win hands down. If they don’t… Flip a coin because the 7-9 Atlanta Hawks are definitely capable of beating the Nuggets if the game’s tempo is not dictated by Denver.

The Nuggets should be well rested and ready to take care of business. The Hawks are on the tail end of back-to-back road games after losing to the Supersonics last night. Check back after the game for my summary of tonight’s game right here on The Nugg Doctor.