Mar 12, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; An Orlando Magic fan holds up a poster to mock Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (not pictured) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The thing is, Howard looked like the player the Lakers thought they were going to be getting going into the season. Howard tied his NBA record for foul shots attempts with 39 last night and made 25 of them. Howard also finished with 39 points.

Mar 12, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center. Los Angeles defeated Orlando 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Was it just a great game for Howard or was it the fact he was returning to his old stomping grounds?

To me, the extra motivation carried Howard to his best night as a Laker.

With Carmelo Anthony returning to Denver tonight, should Nuggets fans expect much of the same?

In my opinion, Melo is going to go off in a big way like Howard did last night.

Coach Mike Woodson said that the New York Knicks superstar was questionable going into today, but let’s be honest, there is no way that Carmelo won’t play against his former team for the first time in Denver since the Feb. 2011 trade.

Melo will receive the same welcome – right or wrong – that Howard did last night. As one Nuggets fan told me, “It’s two-years worth of anger built up.”

The Nuggets are riding a nine-game winning streak, but Melo and the Knicks will break it tonight.

My prediction for Anthony is 42 points, seven assists and 11 rebounds.

And of course, being booed every time he touches the ball.

Feb 23, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) reacts a call during the second half Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets (35-22) are back at home tonight as they welcome in the Los Angeles Lakers (28-29) to the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets have only lost 3 games at home the entire season, but Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are hoping the change that.

Denver may be with Danilo Gallinari, as he’s nursing a thigh bruise. Surging point guard Ty Lawson has been playing like an elite point guard lately, averaging just over 23 points per game over his last three. Swing-man Andre Iguodala played well last time out, for a change, scoring 13.0 points and adding 10.0 assists before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

Gallinari has scored at 19 points in every meeting against the Lakers this season. The Nuggets could miss him tonight.

For the Lakers, Bryant is averaging 39.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game over his last two. The Lakers have won 4 of  their last 5 games, only losing to the Los Angeles Clippers. Dwight Howard is starting to overcome his slow start just a bit, averaging just under 18 points and just over 13 rebounds per game in the last 5 games. Howard has played well against Denver but not IN Denver as a Laker. The only time LA has traveled to Denver this season, Howard only had 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Match-up to watch: Iguodala vs. Bryant 

Iguodala is usually called on to match-up with the opposing team’s best scorer and he’ll likely be faced with the task of covering Bryant tonight. Bryant has been on a  roll lately and Iguodala will have to step up and try to lock him down in the Nuggets want a chance to keep the Lakers hot streak on hold.

Tip-off is set for 9:00 pm ET (7:00 MT) at the Pepsi Center in Denver.