Orlando Magic at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Orlando Magic (-1)
Game Total Line: (205.5)
(wagering lines available at Sportsbook.com)

Oklahoma City (26-13) has the edge offensively. The Thunder are averaging about 103 points per game, and most of the credit belongs to the brilliant duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Everyone knew about Durant-already a scoring champ at just 21 years old-but Westbrook has truly come into his own this year. He's averaging about 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals per games-elite numbers for a guard. Between Westbrook and Durant, Oklahoma City can easily pencil in at least 50 points a night. Perhaps the only concern is that Westbrook has shot a little poorly in January, but it's early; he'll turn things around.

Defensively, though, Oklahoma City leaves much to be desired. The Thunder are allowing 101 points per game, currently 20th in the NBA. That's disappointing after the club finished 11th last season at 98 points per game. Obviously, the team has shifted more of its energy to the other end of the floor.

The Magic (25-13), meanwhile, are one of the NBA's best defensive teams in the NBA. They're allowing just over 93 points per game, good enough for Top-5 in the league.

Many observers wondered if Orlando jumped the gone early-or flat out made a mistake-when it shipped off Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat. The incoming players, however, have been brilliant. Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson each look recharged since joining Orlando, and the team has been incredibly tough to beat since then.

While the defense has remained impressive with the new players, the offense has moved to another level. Orlando consistently pours in 105-plus points, well above its season average of 98 points per game. With the three new players in the fold, Orlando might have the best eight-man rotation in the NBA.

Orlando and Oklahoma City don't meet often but, when they do, the Magic tend to win-at least straight up. Orlando is 3-1 against the Thunder in its last four games, though the Thunder have earned a 2-2 split against the spread. The total has gone under twice and over twice in those four meetings. BetUS has set the total for Thursday's game at 205.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

The Magic may be flat after having their 9-game winning streak end last night in New Orleans. They do face a solid home team playing at home in the Thunder and the Magic are only a mediocre 10-8 on the road. Take the Thunder +1.5 at 5Dimes on game day for reduced juice betting!