The Denver Nuggets play host to the Atlanta Hawks, at Pepsi Center on Thursday evening.

After a great, 9-1, start to the season, the Nuggets (9-5) hit a wall, as they have dropped their last four in a row. They dropped the first one in Memphis, then followed up with consecutive losses at home, against the Nets, Bucks and the Rockets. This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Nuggets, who are 6-3 at home this season. Nikola Jokic (undisclosed) visited the x-ray room after his last contest, but is expected to be ready for action on Thursday. Jokic is averaging 17.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Jokic had a massive 37-point, 29-rebound night a couple games ago, but otherwise has been relatively tame this season. Jamal Murray similarly had his amazing 48-point night, and otherwise has been solid, averaging 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. The Nuggets sit third place in the West, with a 0.5-game lead over fourth and fifth place.

Meanwhile, the Hawks (3-11) have dropped five in a row. This marks their third game of a four-game road trip, while they are just 1-7 on the road so far this season. The Hawks are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, as they are allowing an average of 117.7 points per game, which is second worst in the league. Despite their poor record, the Hawks have some bright spots with their young players, especially Trae Young, who is averaging 17.5 points, 8.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Taurean Prince is averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists, while Kent Bazemore is averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.