Atlanta @ Denver preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 8, 2018 ) Denver 98, Atlanta 106

The Denver Nuggets just need to keep the game close in the final seconds and star center Nikola Jokic will provide the winning touch. Jokic will try to follow two straight game-winners when the Nuggets host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.

Jokic capped the largest fourth-quarter comeback - from 21 points down - in franchise history with a jumper with 1.2 seconds left in a 100-97 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and knocked down a jumper with 2.4 seconds remaining in overtime on Sunday to provide the winning margin in a 100-98 victory at Minnesota. "This is just adding to the legend of Nikola Jokic," Denver coach Michael Malone told reporters. "... I didn't doubt (the game-winner). Even if it didn't (go in), I'm going to live with it because he's our best player. He's an MVP candidate for a reason. He's got two game-winners back-to-back, showing everybody why he's a special player." The Hawks did not get off to a great start on their five-game west coast trip with a 124-113 overtime loss at Portland on Sunday - their third consecutive setback. "I've got to watch the film and see some of our breakdowns," Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters of being outscored 17-6 in overtime. "They just had a different spirit and we got caught in a couple plays and shots don't go down."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), Altitude 2 (Denver)

ABOUT THE HAWKS (3-6): Point guard Trae Young did his best to keep Atlanta in the game on Sunday with 35 points and 10 assists for his second consecutive 30-point double-double. The 21-year-old is averaging 26.3 points and 8.4 assists but also matched a season high with seven turnovers on Sunday. Helping shoulder the scoring load of late is forward Jabari Parker, who stepped into the starting lineup when John Collins was suspended and is averaging 26 points and 9.5 rebounds over the last two contests.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (7-2): Denver swingman Will Barton has been an impact player since coming back from a toe injury and made up for a poor shooting night with 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals in Sunday's win. "He's such a complete player," Malone told reporters of Barton. "Will had it going and I wanted Will and Nikola to make the play. Will found him and Nikola took care of the rest. Right now, Will is playing at a high level for us." Barton was part of a defensive effort that held Minnesota to 35.1 percent from the floor, including 6-of-45 from 3-point range.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nuggets PF Paul Millsap recorded his first double-double of 2019-20 with 14 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday.

2. Hawks SG Allen Crabbe (knee) could make his season debut Tuesday.

3. The teams split the two-game series in each of the last two seasons, with Denver earning a 138-93 home win over Atlanta last season.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 110, Hawks 95