Tag: Summer Olympics betting odds lines picks predictions best bets

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)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

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

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

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

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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

Analyzing Friday’s USA vs. Serbia odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball picks, tips and best bets.

The semifinals of the Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball Tournament will be played Friday morning with the USA taking on Serbia in the first game. Tip-off at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo will be at 12:40 a.m. ET. Below, we preview the USA vs. Serbia odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Team USA has cruised through this tournament with no win by fewer than 9 points, including a 79-55 rout of Australia in the quarterfinals. It finished first in Group B while outscoring the competition 86.7-74.3 in the Group Stage. F A’Ja Wilson has led the way with 17.8 points per game; two other players are averaging more than 13 PPG.

Serbia went 2-1 in the Group Stage and finished second in Group A before beating China 77-70 in the quarters. PF Jelena Brooks has a team-high 13.5 PPG in the tournament and two teammates are averaging 11.3 PPG. Serbia has two 4-point wins and a 7-point victory over China.

USA vs. Serbia: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100) | Serbia +800 (bet $100 to win $800)
  • Against the spread/ATS: USA -18.5 (-115) | Serbia +18.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under: 159.5 (O: -115 | U: -120)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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

Prediction

USA 81, Serbia 70

Money line (ML)

Team USA (-3000) is a safe bet to win as the top-ranked women’s basketball team in the world. The Americans haven’t even been given a scare in this tournament and will secure a spot in the gold medal game with another comfy victory.

PASS on the chalky money line and turn to the spread.

Against the spread (ATS)

USA is the better shooting team from all areas of the court and is also the superior rebounding team. Serbia has been better in points off of turnovers, but USA has advantages in fast-break points, second-chance points and points in the paint.

Still, the spread is far too big for a semifinals game. The Americans won just one game thus far by more than 18 points and Serbia has played well defensively while allowing more than 70 points just once through four games.

Back SERBIA +18.5 (-120) to stay within 18 points in a loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 159.5 (-120) is the best play in what’s projected to be a blowout win for the Americans.

Serbia has shot 35.5% from 3-point range in the tournament and will struggle to close the gap if the USA builds a large lead.

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

Summer Olympics Women’s Soccer: USA vs. Australia odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s USA vs. Australia odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Soccer picks, tips and best bets.

The bronze medal match of the Summer Olympics Women’s Soccer Tournament will be played Thursday at 4 a.m. ET between the USA and Australia at Ibaraki Kashima Stadium. Below, we analyze the USA vs. Australia odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Both USA and Australia were dealt a 1-0 loss in their semifinals matches. The Americans fell to Canada and Australia was topped by Sweden. Canada and Sweden play for gold Thursday night in Tokyo.

The US Women’s National Team (USWNT), including stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, was disappointed to be dropped into the third-place match after winning the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Australia lost in the Round of 16 in that tournament. The nations entered this tournament ranked first and ninth, respectively, in the FIFA Women’s Ranking.

USA vs. Australia: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:26 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Australia +370 (bet $100 to win $370) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: -105)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

USA 3, Australia 1

Money line (ML)

The USA (-135) will look to take out some frustration over a disappointing tournament against Australia and will leave Tokyo with at least a bronze medal.

Without GK Alyssa Naeher (knee) Thursday, USWNT veterans Morgan and Rapinoe will lead the way in a more spirited offensive effort. The Americans outscored the opposition 6-4, finishing second in Group G while the Aussies were outscored 5-4 in a third-place finish in the Group Stage.

USA responded well from its previous letdown in this tournament by trouncing New Zealand 6-1 after a 3-0 loss to Sweden in its tournament opener.

Over/Under (O/U)

The two sides played to a 0-0 draw in the Group Stage, but the Americans, led by an angry Rapinoe, will look to load up on offense without Naeher.

The Aussies should be able to score at least one goal against inexperienced American backup GK Adrianna Franch.

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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

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

The final spot in the gold medal game will be on the line Thursday morning when France and Slovenia clash in the second of two semifinal games in the Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament. Tip-off will be at 7 a.m. ET at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo. Below, we analyze the France vs. Slovenia odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Slovenia crushed Germany 94-70 in the quarterfinals Tuesday while France got past Italy by an 84-75 count. Slovenian PG Luka Doncic scored 20 points with 8 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals in his team’s victory. France got 15 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals from SF Nicolas Batum in the quarters.

France and Slovenia both went 3-0 in the Group Stage and finished atop Group A and Group C, respectively.

France vs. Slovenia: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:21 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: France +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Slovenia -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: France +2.5 (-110) | Slovenia -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 174.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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

Prediction

France 87, Slovenia 84

Money line (ML)

FRANCE (+115) is the side to back as a slight underdog. It made a statement with an 83-76 win over the USA in its tournament opener and hasn’t looked back with three more victories by at least 9 points.

Slovenia, led by Doncic and his 26.3 points per game, has three victories by 18 or more points and an 8-point win over Spain but faces its toughest test by far Thursday morning. France has the defensive talent to contain Doncic and force his inferior supporting cast to take on larger roles.

Against the spread (ATS)

Any fan of the NBA is well aware of Doncic’s talent and his frequent big-game heroics. However, the wise play is to back FRANCE +2.5 (-110).

Slovenia has the edge in 3-point shooting and rebounding, but I’ll side with France’s depth and experience in what’s likely to be a close game.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 174.5 (-105). France has the personnel to slow down Doncic and force shots from Slovenia’s less talented shooters.

France topped 85 points just once through four games and will control the pace Thursday against a Slovenian side that topped 115 points in each of its first two games of the tournament but not in either of the last two games.

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]

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

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

Both semifinal games of the Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament take place Thursday morning with Team USA and Australia getting things started with a 12:15 a.m. ET tip-off at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo. Below, we analyze the USA vs. Australia odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

USA took care of Spain with a 95-81 victory in the quarterfinals Tuesday. F Kevin Durant was the star with 28 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. It was the third straight win for the Americans after dropping their tournament opener 83-76 against France.

Australia made the semifinals with a 97-59 rout of Argentina Tuesday. The Aussies are undefeated in the tournament with three double-digit victories and an 86-83 nail-biter against Italy.

USA vs. Australia: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:56 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -800 (bet $800 to win $100) | Australia +500 (bet $100 to win $500)
  • Against the spread/ATS: USA -12.5 (-110) | Australia +12.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 179.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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

Prediction

USA 93, Australia 88

Money line (ML)

USA (-800) is a heavy favorite with an implied win probability of 88.89% in the semifinal game, but it’s a foolish betting strategy to risk $100 for every $12.50 won.

While the Americans have far more NBA talent, the Australians are big and physical and have dominated on the boards all tournament. Expect them to keep it tight with a spot in the gold medal game on the line.

PASS and look to the spread.

Against the spread (ATS)

Take AUSTRALIA +12.5 (-110) with this line showing far too much disrespect.

Team USA has appeared to be in cruise control since its shocking loss in the tournament opener, but outside of France, Australia has faced the tougher competition and has had little difficulty.

It’s distant history at this point for the Americans, given their recent level of play, but Australia handed the USA a 91-83 loss in a pre-Olympics exhibition game.

Over/Under (O/U)

Lean slightly to the OVER 179.5 (-110), despite the lower score in the last meeting between these two sides.

Both USA and Australia are shooting 40% or better from 3-point range in the tournament and the Americans gave up more than 80 points in three of four games. Expect Australia to lean on the 3-point shot while trying to keep pace with Team USA.

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=42461]