NBA Betting: Dwight Howard and Magic Buzz Hornets

Dwight Howard ripped the nets for 24 points. (AI Wire photo)

Two of the NBA’s surprise teams met in the Big Easy on Monday night, both carrying winning streaks. When the sawdust on the hardwood settled, Dwight Howard was left standing.

The Orlando Magic’s young superstar put up another double-double, scoring 24 points and hauling in 15 boards in a 95-88 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

Although the Magic handed the Boston Celtics their first loss of the season on Sunday, they were still underdogs in New Orleans. But they beat the point spread, which was 1.5, and improved to 10-2 overall and 7-0 on the road.

Rashard Lewis scored 19 points for Orlando, which upped its winning streak to five games.

New Orleans, meanwhile, lost for the first time in six games, but remained competitive despite playing without injured guard Chris Paul. Plus, Tyson Chandler left the game in the second quarter with a hyperextended knee. (To read about the New Orleans Hornets and their hot start, turn to Bodog Nation, the popular online magazine.)

The betting total was under 188 points.

In other NBA action on Monday:

Charlotte 101, Portland 92: The Bobcats, at 6-4, are off to their best start in franchise history. Charlotte covered a six-point spread at home as Gerald Wallace scored 27 points for the third game in a row.

Memphis 125, Seattle 108: The Grizzlies, who were favored by six at home, crushed the SuperSonics as Stromile Swift netted 24 points.

Utah 102, New Jersey 75: Deron Williams dropped 20 points and Carlos Boozer had 17 as the Jazz won at home, covering an 11-point spread with ease.

For NBA odds for Wednesday, the Bodog Sportsbook is the place to play.