Bodog Beat

Dwight Howard is enjoying a breakout season for Orlando. (AI Wire)

Two of the premier big men in the NBA do battle tonight as Marcus Camby and the Denver Nuggets host Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic at the Pepsi Center.

The Magic (23-14) continue to be paced by Howard, who should recieve serious mention for the NBA's Most Improved Player come season's end. From this year to last, he's improved his scoring (from 17.6 to 22.4 points per game), rebounding (12.3 to 15.2 rebounds per game), blocks (1.9 to 2.6 blocks per game) and minutes played (36.9 to 38.9 minutes per game). All told, he's probably more in line for Most Valuable Player consideration, but given the strong seasons put forth by Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James, the MIP seems most likely for this 6-foot 11-inch manchild.

Some Betting Trends to Consider:

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
• Orlando is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing Denver
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
• Orlando is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 games on the road
• Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
• Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
• Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando

Currently, the Nuggets are a 5.5-point favorite, with the total set at 218 points.

NBA Basketball Betting!