20* Thunder/Magic TNT GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma City -1

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

Point Spread: -1/-103 Oklahoma City

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in the Western Conference, hands down. Any time they face a team from the East, unless it's the Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls, the Thunder should be at least a 4-point favorite on the road. They basically just have to win this game to cover this small spread, and that's precisely what I expect them to do.

With last night's impressive win at Philadelphia, the Thunder have improved to 28-7 on the season. They are simply rolling right now, winners of six straight overall, all by 4 points or more. Orlando is a solid team at 23-13 this season, but they're not on the same level as Oklahoma City.

This is a good match-up for the Thunder. They have Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka, one of the best shot blockers in the league, inside to defend Dwight Howard. Orlando doesn't have anybody that can stay with Russell Westbrook, and they certainly do not have an answer defensively for Kevin Durant. OKC won their first meeting with Orlando this season 97-89 behind 30 points from Durant. They held Howard to just 11 points.

The Magic are 0-8 ATS after playing 4 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons. The Thunder are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 vs. Eastern Conference. Oklahoma City is 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5. Bet the Thunder Thursday.