5* NBA ATS ABSOLUTE SMASH

Oklahoma City vs. Orlando, 03/01/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 105 - 102

Point Spread: -1/-103 Oklahoma City

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

I have no trouble backing the Thunder in the second game of a back-to-back road set off the All-Star break. A lot is being made about how the Thunder have never won in Orlando since they relocated to Oklahoma City, but this is by far the best team they have had since that happened.

Oklahoma City came away with a 92-88 win at Philadelphia last night, which improved their road record to 13-6 on the year. A half-game better than the Magic's 12-6 home record. What really stands out to me is the fact that Oklahoma City is 12-4 ATS after playing a road game this season.

Most NBA games on Thursday are played in front of a national audience on TNT, which is where this game will be featured tonight. Oklahoma City is an impressive 11-3 ATS in their last 14 Thursday games.

Oklahoma City is also 20-8 ATS in their last 28 vs. Eastern Conference and 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5. BET THE THUNDER!