General DiscussionHow do pros decide whether they want OD in mid vs a sidelane?

they go to the lane that is not market yet by someone else, no jk

Exactly if someone locked mid earlier and usually happens against 1 carry spectre/Tiny scenario where od-picker has last pick for safe lane farm.

Is one noticeably better than the other?

It depends on the matchup.

More often than not, the OD usually opts for the easier lane.

To the comment above, I feel like OD could usually opt for the harder lane. His Q now takes mana AND int, and he's still got imprison. I think you throw OD in the harder lane and have your core that isn't as well off go in a safer lane.

hes better safelane

If they pick a mid that is ez matchup you go mid, if they pick hard you safe