In Friday’s gold medal game of the Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament, USA takes on France at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the USA vs. France odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.
After being down double figures in the first half, the USA managed to crawl back into its semifinal game with Australia thanks to a 22-point separation in the third quarter and won 97-78.
France is no joke with both interior defense led by C Rudy Gobert and elite offensive playmaking by SG Evan Fournier. France handed superstar Slovenian PG Luka Doncic his first international loss in the semifinals by a 90-89 count.
Also see: Slovenia vs. Australia odds, picks and prediction
USA vs. France: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: USA -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100) | France +600 (bet $100 to win $600)
- Against the spread/ATS: USA -12.5 (-110) | France +12.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 175.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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USA vs. France: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
USA 86, France 78
Money line (ML)
PASS on the money line because betting on the USA to win is just not even close to worth it.
Team USA has looked flawed this tournament, and while it’s still the more talented side, it’s not by a margin that would result in winning just $10 for every $100 bet.
After going down double figures against Australia, betting on USA to even cover the large spread is a risk.
Yes, F Kevin Durant is that good, but will SG Devin Booker show up again? With the defensive presence of Gobert potentially being a major factor, I’d steer clear of the money line as it’s far too rich.
Against the spread (ATS)
BET on FRANCE +12.5 (-110) as it has looked terrific throughout the tournament. Being able to defeat Doncic is an impressive feat, but France has its sights set on taking the gold.
While we’ve mentioned two impactful players, the French roster runs much deeper. G Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, F Nicolas Batum and G Frank Ntilikina all have extensive NBA experience.
All three of those players are known for their defense as well.
France is an elite defensive side, one that held Slovenia to 89 points. At the very least, expect that defense to be on display which should almost single-handedly help the spread hit in France’s favor.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the UNDER 175.5 (-110) as France should be able to impose its pace and style of play on the USA. Gobert locking down the paint has absolutely dismantled offenses.
With USA C Bam Adebayo and PF Draymond Green getting many minutes, allowing Gobert to relax and sag into the paint more, I’d expect him to make a major impact.
France and Slovenia finished with a 90-89 total. Even against a more talented side like USA, asking for more than around 88 points each is still far too much.
The Under and the French spread are the best value bets in this gold medal game.
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