The NBA’s Next Superstar – Oklahoma City vs. Toronto

Thunder On The Rise Face Raptors In A Downward Spiral

The future is everything for Oklahoma City. Mark my words betting fan, in five years the debate will not be between Kobe and LeBron, it will be between Kevin Durant and The King. Durant has averaged 26.2 points per game, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 dishes in the last five games for the Thunder. As long as the bone headed owners of the Thunder can hold this team together, the Thunder will be a contender within two years.

And this is how you build a franchise. You draft an ulta-athletic swing player who isn’t even close to his prime and surround him with a stellar point-guard at a great value, and a complimenting force on the outlet that does everything properly. Obviously, I’m referring to the dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green. Green was the centerpiece of the Ray Allen trade that brought Jesus Shuttleworth to Boston. All that corps needs now is a solid front court presence, which is why Chris Bosh has been my favorite player to suggest for Oklahoma.

The problem for Bosh and Toronto is that nobody takes them seriously anymore. Their star player, Bosh, has been slapped with a blundering case of bad-boyfriend-abuse, while Jose Calderon continues to get crushed defensively. There’s little to no hope in Toronto, unless they can acquire a dynamic scorer with a top-10 pick. Tank city anyone?

NBA Betting Trends

-Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

-Oklahoma City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

-The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City’s last 5 games

-Oklahoma City is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

-Toronto is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games

-Toronto is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games

-The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto’s last 13 games

-Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City

The knock on Toronto, as well, has been that they’ve never been able to stop the big time scorers of the NBA. LeBron, Melo and Kobe are amongst many big names that sweep past the Raptors. Kevin Durant is that same type of player, and unless Shawn Marion can rewind the clock five years, the Raptors are screwed.

Oklahoma City Thunder (20-51) vs. Toronto Raptors (26-45)

Friday, March 27th — Air Canada Centre, Toronto — 7:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Toronto -5 (200.5)

Toronto has been pushing the OVER because they can’t play defense. Allowing 101.1 points on a -3.3 point differential is a big deal, and nobody in Toronto seems to be stepping up to make the difference. With Jose’s continued failings as a starting point man, and Bosh’s ultimate girlfriend distraction, the Raptors on a side track straight to hell and a top-8 pick in the worst draft in recent memory. Joy.

NBA Free Pick: OKC +5 (OVER)