The Miami Heat kick-start a six-game road trip tonight with their game against the Orlando Magic. This will also be the first time these two teams go head-to-head this season.  

Orlando hopes to pick up a game on the first-place team in the Southeast Division, but with the way the Heat have been playing recently, it definitely won't be easy to get a victory. 

Having won three games in a row now, the Heat look to keep the streak alive against an Orlando team that appears to be cooling back down. 

The Magic had a three-game win streak going before their overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. Prior to that, Orlando had been in a big slump, losing four straight and failing to score more than 85 points. 

It should be an entertaining game, though, unless one team decides not to show up. With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this Eastern Conference showdown. 

When: Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. ET 

Where: Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.

Watch: FSFL 

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Betting Line: Heat (3.5) according to VegasInsider.com 

What's At Stake? 

For the Heat, a loss would be a poor start to the road trip and something that would be difficult to overcome. Miami is playing great basketball right now, so I don't expect them to be a no-show against Orlando. 

For the Magic, a loss would be devastating, especially if they're blown out. Too many times this season have the Magic suffered big-time defeats. Orlando needs to prove it compete with the best-of-the-best, because if they can't, it's time to starting changing things up. 

Miami Injury Report 

*According to CBS Sports

PG Mario Chalmers (hand): Questionable 

Orlando Injury Report 

*According to CBS Sports

No injuries to report 

What They're Saying 

The official Twitter page for the Miami Heat had a quote from head coach Erik Spoelstra about the upcoming and lengthy road trip. 

During their road trip, the Heat will learn a lot about who they are as a team. In addition to the Magic, they'll have to battle the Wizards, Hawks, Bucks, Pacers and Cavaliers. 

None of those are truly elite teams, but it will be interesting to see if being on the road so much will impact the team in a negative way. They could easily start to get tired and worn out, especially since they won't have a day of travel rest for three of the games.

Miami should win most of those road games. All eyes will be on the Heat to see if and who they slip up against.

Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy talked with Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, and he discussed how one player in particular has really helped make the Heat a better team this year. 

I think Bosh's play has been the reason that I think they're a lot better team this year than they were before, Van Gundy said.

They're always great defensively. They're always going to play real hard. And they've always got talent. But I think that the way Bosh has played has really, really changed.

Bosh is averaging 19.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season, and his production is taking the team to the next level.

Staying healthy has been key for Bosh, who has had to step up in big moments while Dwyane Wade or LeBron James were out. 

The Heat will need Bosh to be strong again tonight, because going up against Dwight Howard and the Magic definitely isn't easy. 

Miami Player to Watch

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

LeBron James is averaging 29 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. He leads the Heat in all three of those categories, helping strengthen his case for MVP. 

He's a dominant force that teams always struggle to slow down. More often than not, if James didn't produce at a high level, it was because he ended up beating himself. Whether it's poor shot selection or just an off night, James rarely lets a defense get him down.

Of course, there are times when an opposing team will, but against the Magic, James won't be denied, so look for him to put on a show in Orlando. 

Orlando Player to Watch

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Dwight Howard is and will always be the Orlando Magic player to watch. He's the centerpiece of the team, and without him, the Magic would be toast. 

If Howard doesn't control the post and make his presence known early and often, Orlando doesn't stand a chance. 

It's up to Howard to put the team on his back and show that he has what it takes to carry his team to victory against the best of the best. 

Key Matchup 

The matchups down low will be key tonight, because the Heat will have to find a way to shut down Howard. If they can do that, then this will be an easy win for the Heat. 

Joel Anthony, Eddy Curry and Dexter Pittman have to make the most of their playing time and do it all on defense. 

Look for Udonis Haslem to offer help down low, as well as Bosh and LeBron. Preventing Howard from a monster performance is the main goal, as it will greatly increase the chances of Miami getting the victory. 

Prediction 

Heat 98, Magic 91