Nuggets hoping to end poor history in Orlando

Posted: Wed Feb 11 10:53 AM

(Sports Network) - A battle of division leaders is set for tonight in Orlando, where the Denver Nuggets resume an eight-game road trip against the Magic at Amway Arena.

The Northwest Division-leading Nuggets haven't had much success in Orlando, losing 15 straight and 18 of the past 19 contests there. The Magic defeated the Nuggets, 106-88, on January 17 of this season at the Pepsi Center and have won two straight and 18 of the last 23 matchups in the series.

Denver, however, is 3-1 so far on the road swing and improved to 15-11 away from the Rockies with a 99-82 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Chauncey Billups scored 13 of his team-high 23 points in the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets beat Miami for an eighth straight time.

Kenyon Martin posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and four steals for the Nuggets, who have won eight of their last 10 games overall. Carmelo Anthony totaled 19 points and nine rebounds.

Nuggets center Chris Andersen left Tuesday's game in the second quarter with a sprained left wrist and a left hip contusion. X-rays were negative and the block specialist is listed as day-to-day.

Denver will also visit the Sixers, Bulls and Bucks on the trek.

Orlando will continue a three-game homestand Wednesday and opened the residency by handing the New Jersey Nets a 101-84 defeat on Sunday. Dwight Howard registered 30 points and 16 rebounds and Mickael Pietrus added 17 points for the Magic, who have won five of their last seven games overall.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 15 points and dished out eight assists for Orlando, while Rashard Lewis posted 14 points in a winning cause.

The Southeast Division-leading Magic will also host the Bobcats on this homestand and are an impressive 20-5 at home this season.