Category: Summer Olympics

Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball: USA vs. Japan odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s USA vs. Japan odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball gold medal picks, tips and best bets.

Team USA and Japan play for the gold medal in the Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball Tournament Saturday. Tip-off will be at 10:30 p.m. ET at Saitama Super Arena. Below, we preview the USA vs. Japan odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Both teams won in a rout in the semifinals Friday. USA beat Serbia 79-59 and Japan took down France by an 87-71 score. Team USA is 5-0 in the tournament and won each of its games in the Knockout Stage by 20-plus points. Japan is 4-1 in the tournament with an 86-69 loss to the Americans in the Group Stage as the only blemish.

The USA entered the Olympics as the No. 1 team in the FIBA world rankings. Meanwhile, Japan has had a miracle run on home soil (even without fans) as the 10th-ranked team.

USA vs. Japan: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100) | Japan +800 (bet $100 to win $800)
  • Against the spread/ATS: USA -17.5 (-125) | Japan +17.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 160.5 (O: -115 | U: -120)

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USA vs. Japan: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

USA 86, Japan 78

Money line (ML)

Team USA (-3000) is a colossal favorite with an implied win probability of 96.77%. While it’s likely too steep of a price in the final of an international tournament, the Americans are a safe bet to win and secure the gold medal. However, there’s no sense laying $100 to win just $3.33.

There’s also no way to justify betting such a heavy underdog as Japan. We can get adequate value on the Olympic hosts with the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

JAPAN +17.5 (-110) is the best bet in the women’s basketball gold medal game.

Japan topped sixth-ranked Belgium in the quarterfinals before blowing the doors off of fifth-ranked France Friday morning. It also hung around in the 86-69 loss to the Americans in the Group Stage. It’ll put up a strong fight in the final at home in Tokyo.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 160.5 (-115) is a strong play on the total. Both teams focus on offense and have each averaged 83.6 points per game in the tournament.

Japan has hit at a blistering 40.9% rate from 3-point range while the Americans still make a quality 35.7% of 3-pointers and tournament-best 49.7% of all field-goal attempts.

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Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball: Serbia vs. France odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Serbia vs. France odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball bronze medal picks, tips and best bets.

The bronze medal in the Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball Tournament will be awarded early Saturday morning when Serbia and France clash in a 3 a.m. ET tip-off at Saitama Super Arena. Below, we preview the Serbia vs. France odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

It’s a quick turnaround for both sides. Serbia fell 79-59 to the USA in Friday morning’s semifinal game and France was dealt an 87-71 loss by host nation Japan.

Serbia went 2-1 in the Group Stage but with a minus-7 point differential. It topped China 77-70 in the quarterfinals before losing to the powerhouse USA squad. France went just 1-2 in group play but with a plus-10 point differential. It edged past Spain 67-64 in the quarters before being blown out by Japan.

Serbia 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 10:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Serbia +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | France -133 (bet $133 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Serbia +1.5 (-115) | France -1.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under: 142.5 (O: -115 | U: -120)

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Serbia vs. France: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Serbia 71, France 68

Money line (ML)

Back SERBIA (+105) as a short underdog for the bronze medal. It faced the tougher test in the semifinal and will look to take some pointers from the dominant USA system.

Serbia had the more impressive quarterfinals win and was better in the Group Stage, outside of an 85-70 loss to Spain. France has lost twice to Japan, lost 93-82 to the USA in the Group Stage but managed to boost its point differential with a 25-point win over lowly Nigeria.

France and Serbia entered the Olympics fifth and eighth, respectively, in the FIBA world ranking, but look for Serbia to improve after most recently playing the Americans.

Against the spread (ATS)

Get some added insurance on the underdog by backing SERBIA +1.5 (-115).

Again, France is in the bronze medal game despite winning just two games in this tournament. It beat Spain by just 3 points in the quarterfinals.

Over/Under (O/U)

Bet the UNDER 142.5 (-120).

France was held to 71 or fewer points in three of its five games this tournament and Serbia held three of five opponents to 70 or fewer points.

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Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball: USA vs. France gold medal odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s USA vs. France odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball gold medal picks, tips and best bets.

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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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball: Slovenia vs. Australia odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Slovenia vs. Australia odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball picks, tips and best bets.

In the bronze medal match, G Luka Doncic‘s Slovenia will take on G Patty Mills‘ Australia Saturday. The game is set to tip at 7 a.m. ET inside the Saitama Super Arena. Below, we preview the Slovenia vs. Australia odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Superstar Doncic lost his first career international game and is now 17-1 with his national team. He’ll draw another tough match after losing to F Evan Fournier and the French team in the semifinals.

Australia is in the bronze medal game because it was absolutely torn apart by Team USA in a 97-78 defeat. The Aussies only trailed 45-42 at the half but were outscored by 22 points in the third quarter, which ultimately did them in and knocked them out of the single-elimination tournament.

Slovenia vs. Australia: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:42 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Australia +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Slovenia -133 (bet $133 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Australia +2.5 (-115) | Slovenia -2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 180.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Slovenia vs. Australia: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Serbia 85, Australia 78

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” on SLOVENIA -133 as Doncic will, by far, be the best player on the court. Slovenia lost by one point to a French team full of numerous NBA players including C Rudy Gobert and Fournier.

While Slovenia has the superstar, it also has 7-foot C Mike Tobey, who has played well for most of the tournament. Behind Doncic’s passing and Tobey’s height, the duo has been lethal in this tournament.

Australia does have Mills, but he likely won’t be enough. Even with G Matthew Dellavedova, there’s not enough size in their backcourt to slow down Doncic.

Sticking F Matisse Thybulle is an interesting option to defend Doncic, but we’ve seen Doncic destroy some of the NBA’s best defenders. It’s unlikely Thybulle will slow down the Slovenian.

Against the spread (ATS)

BET SLOVENIA -2.5 (-105) as the spread doesn’t do the difference between these two teams justice. While both sides ran through their Group Stage games, Australia struggled with Italy.

Slovenia had few issues until facing France, which is really good and should have a real shot at downing Team USA in the gold medal game.

Assuming that aggression from Doncic comes out as his international resume is on the line, expect a game that’s separated by more than just two points.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 180.5 (-105) as the Australians will be a strong defensive side and should impose its will. Thybulle, G Dante Exum and Dellavedova are solid defenders and should be able to slow down Slovenia.

While I still expect Slovenia to win given the Australian’s lacking offense, it should be a low-scoring game. Every game Australia has played in has been Under 180.

While Slovenia is a talented offensive side, I’d still expect them to struggle at times. This is the best value bet in the game.

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Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer: Brazil vs. Spain odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Brazil vs. Spain odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer picks, tips and best bets.

Neither Brazil or Spain brought their best squad to the Summer Olympics amid a busy summer of international soccer, but they’ll play for the gold medal Saturday. Kickoff will be at 7:30 a.m. ET at International Stadium Yokohama. Below, we preview the Brazil vs. Spain odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Spain topped host nation Japan 1-0 in the semifinals while Brazil had to go to penalty kicks with Mexico where it won 4-1.

The Spaniards handed Ivory Coast a more decisive 5-2 loss in the quarterfinals after winning Group C at just 1-0-2. Spain outscored the competition 2-1 in the Group Stage. Brazil won Group D at a more convincing 2-0-1 and outscored the rest of the group 7-3.

Brazil entered the Olympics third in the FIFA world rankings and Spain sixth; however, those rankings were not updated since the end of the Euro 2020 and Copa America tournaments.

Brazil vs. Spain: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:07 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Brazil +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Spain +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Draw +190
  • Over/Under: 1.5 (O: -170 | U: +140)

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Prediction

Brazil 2, Spain 0

Money line (ML)

Back the much higher-scoring BRAZIL (+165) for a win within 90 minutes and stoppage time.

Spain opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Egypt, crept past Australia 1-0 and drew Argentina 1-1 before erupting for 5 goals against Ivory Coast in the quarters. The offense was short-lived as it topped Japan just 1-0.

Brazil has been much more proficient at the offensive end. It doubled up Germany 4-2, drew Ivory Coast 0-0 and responded with a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia to close the Group Stage.

Mexico, who Brazil beat in the semifinals, is by far the best team either side played in the knockout stage. That tough tuneup will be an advantage for Brazil in the medal game.

Over/Under (O/U)

There are two possible plays on the total with neither being ideal but OVER 1.5 (-170) offers better value than Under 2.5 (-220).

Scoring dried up for both teams in the semifinals but Brazil has shown an ability to find the back of the net in this tournament. It’ll get some revenge and take care of the Over after losing the Copa America final 1-0 to Argentina.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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PLAY: Men’s Olympic Basketball Pick’em Contest – USA vs. France

Test your Men’s Olympic Basketball knowledge with our free USA vs. France pick’em contest for Friday’s gold medal matchup in Tokyo.

Team USA and France play for the gold medal in the Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament Friday with a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Want in on the action? USA TODAY has you covered with a free-to-play pick’em contest for each of Team USA’s games in Tokyo.

The gold medal game will be a rematch of the tournament opener between the two teams, which France won 83-76, The Americans, led by F Kevin Durant, will look for some revenge.

Here’s how to get a piece of the action:

Each game has an entirely new set of questions giving you a daily chance for victory. Need some help on which picks to make? Check out our USA vs. Australia odds, picks and predictions.

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PLAY: Men’s Olympic Basketball Pick’em Contest – USA vs. France

Test your Men’s Olympic Basketball knowledge with our free USA vs. France pick’em contest for Friday’s gold medal matchup in Tokyo.

Team USA and France play for the gold medal in the Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament Friday with a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Want in on the action? USA TODAY has you covered with a free-to-play pick’em contest for each of Team USA’s games in Tokyo.

The gold medal game will be a rematch of the tournament opener between the two teams, which France won 83-76, The Americans, led by F Kevin Durant, will look for some revenge.

Here’s how to get a piece of the action:

Each game has an entirely new set of questions giving you a daily chance for victory. Need some help on which picks to make? Check out our USA vs. Australia odds, picks and predictions.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Summer Olympics Women’s Soccer: Canada vs. Sweden odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Canada vs. Sweden odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Soccer picks, tips and best bets.

The final game of the Summer Olympics Women’s Soccer Tournament will be played Friday morning as Canada and Sweden fight for the gold medal. Kickoff at Olympic Stadium will be at 8 a.m. ET.  Below, we preview the Canada vs. Sweden odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

This match was originally scheduled for Thursday night (ET) but was pushed back due to high temperatures in Tokyo that would have made conditions too difficult for training and at game time.

Both teams arrived in the gold medal match with a 1-0 victory in the semifinals. Sweden topped Australia; Canada took down the top-ranked and reigning World Cup champion USA. Canada finished second in Group E at 1-0-2 while Sweden won Group G, featuring the USA, at 3-0.

Canada vs. Sweden: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3:24 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Canada +370 (bet $100 to win $370) | Sweden -115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Draw +210
  • Over/Under: 1.5 (O: -170 | U: +125)

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Prediction

Sweden 1, Canada 0

Money line (ML)

SWEDEN (-115) is the clear play as a modest favorite in the gold medal match. It’s fifth in the FIFA women’s world ranking while Canada was eighth entering the tournament.

The Swedes outscored the competition 9-2 while going 3-0 in the Group Stage and comfortably beat Japan 3-0 in the quarterfinals before a much closer game against Australia in the semis. Sweden scored in the 46th minute of the semifinal and held on for victory with stout defense.

Canada, led by veteran F Christine Sinclair, has had a miracle run but has scored a total of just 5 goals through as many games. It drew 1-1 with Japan and Great Britain, and beat Chile 2-1 in the Group Stage.

Over/Under (O/U)

Side with the UNDER 1.5 (+125) as the more profitable side of the line.

The strong Swedish defense will be able to contain the largely stagnant Canadian attack. Canada is no slouch on the defensive side, either, with just 3 goals allowed in the Olympics.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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