World Cup group stage: USA vs Wales odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s USA vs Wales odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In the 2nd Group B group stage match Monday, the Team USA will take on Wales with kickoff at Al Rayyan set for 2 p.m. ET (FOX) . Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the USA vs. Wales odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Earlier Monday, England will take on Iran to help commence Group B action. As for this game, USA is ranked No. 16 and Wales is No. 19.

Wales is led by F Gareth Bale, who joined MLS side LAFC in the middle of the season. F Daniel James and M Aaron Ramsey are 2 other names to keep an eye on. Wales is just 2-5-2 in 2022.

As for the USMNT, it has elected M Tyler Adams to be its captain, but F Christian Pulisic, who plays for Chelsea, is undoubtedly the team’s most dynamic attacker.

USA is 5-4-3 in 2022. Arsenal backup GK Matt Turner will likely get the start with M Weston McKennie being another impactful name to watch.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

USA vs Wales odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:04 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USA +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Wales +215 (bet $100 to win $215) | Draw +215
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +145 | U: -170)

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Prediction

USA 1, Wales 0

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN USA (+155).

The United States is playing better than Wales, which lost 4 of 5 in Nations League play leading up to the World Cup. Bale didn’t work in well with LAFC and showed his age and pace.

He may not be as much a factor as many think. While Wales is deeper than just Bale, the top-level talent with the USA behind Pulisic and McKennie is better.

USA also has key defenders in D Tim Ream, who was playing at a high level for a mid-table EPL side prior to the World Cup. USA’s talent at all levels should be too much for Wales.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-170).

This is the preferred play, but the value obviously isn’t there at -170. But USA has gone Under 2.5 goals in 3 straight matches and in 8 of the 12 so far this season.

Wales has gone Under this total in 5 of 9. Excluding a 5-0 win over Grenada, the US scored just 1 goal in its last 4 matches.

USA just hasn’t been able to consistently put the ball in the back of the net, but considering it has given up just 3 in its 6 games, its defense has been just as solid.

Back UNDER 2.5 (-170), but truly consider the USA moneyline more for the value.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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El Salvador vs. USA CONCACAF Nations League odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s El Salvador vs. USA odds and lines, with CONCACAF Nations League picks and predictions.

El Salvador welcomes USA to Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, El Salvador Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the El Salvador vs. USA odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

The United States Men’s National Team, after playing several friendlies and beating Grenada 5-0 Friday, will take on El Salvador in its second CONCACAF Nations League match.

The USA is in a 3-country group. The USMNT drew Uruguay 0-0 last Sunday and beat Morocco 3-0 June 1. It crushed Grenada behind 4 goals from F Jesus Ferreira.

El Salvador has already played 2 Nations League matches, drawing Grenada 2-2 at home and winning at Grenada 3-1.

While it appears El Salvador may have a capable attack, they had just 9 shots on goal, netting 5 of them. Those same opportunities most likely won’t be available against the USMNT.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

El Salvador vs. USA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday 12:41 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: El Salvador +670 (bet $100 to win $670) | USA -270 (bet $270 to win $100) | Draw +330
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -107 | U: -135)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 3, El Salvador 1

Money line (ML)

PASS.

The USA absolutely dominated Grenada. They had 68% of the possession and didn’t allow a single shot on target, holding Grenada, who did draw El Salvador, to just 3 shots.

While it is notable that the USMNT’s record is significantly worse on the road than in domestic play, where they crushed Grenada, I still see little way that El Salvador competes.

They’re more in the realm of Grenada and less like a top-15 FIFA team like USA. El Salvador ranks 74th in the world. While at home, El Salvador still shouldn’t get much traction.

At -270, I’m not banking on the USMNT putting their best product on the field and easily winning this battle either.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-107).

All 3 of the Nations League games that these teams have played have gone over this total. USA beat Grenada 5-0 while El Salvador beat them 3-1 and tied 2-2.

El Salvador has several MLS players on its roster and 31-year-old F Nelson Bonilla who netted 2 against Grenada in the 3-1 victory. While I expect the USA to come out on top, they haven’t allowed a goal in over 270 minutes.

Given the tired legs of D Walker Zimmerman, I expect to see at least 1 goal for the home side.

With the dominant attackers USA has, netting 5 on Grenada and 3 on top-25 Morocco, they should be able to score at will. USA had 25 shots on Grenada, 10 on target.

I expect a similar result as 2 of the USA’s 3 recent performances have gone over this against far more difficult opponents. Combine it all, and I expect the Over 2.5 (-107) to hit.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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USA vs. Grenada odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s USMNT vs. Grenada odds and lines, with CONCACAF Nations League picks and predictions.

USA welcomes Grenada to Q2 Stadium in Austin Friday. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the USA vs. Grenada odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

The United States Men’s National Team, after playing several friendlies, will take on Grenada in its first CONCACAF Nations League action.

The USA is in a 3-country group along with El Salvador. The USMNT drew Uruguay, 0-0, last Sunday and beat Morocco, 3-0, the Wednesday before that as well.

Grenada has already played 2 Nations League matches, drawing and losing to El Salvador. It was a 3-1 loss and 2-2 draw.

While it appears Grenada may have a capable attack, they scored those 3 goals with a mere 7 shots on target. So it has been more about capitalizing on chances rather than creating them in volume.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

USMNT vs. Grenada odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -20000 (bet $20,000 to win $100) | Grenada +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000) | Draw +1200
  • Over/Under: 4.5 (O: -220 | U: +150)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 4, Grenada 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

There’s just no good value here. That’s really all that needs to be said.

The USMNT has been dominant at home, winning 8 of their last 9 domestic games, which included a win over World Cup-qualifying Mexico. They recently drew Uruguay, a top-15 nation in the world.

Put it all together, and the USMNT should have no trouble taking on Grenada, a team that sits 170th on FIFA’s world rankings. The USMNT are 15th, which is why this massive valuation difference comes into play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 4.5 (+150).

The USMNT has been playing some high-level matches lately that have been preparing the team for the November World Cup.

In doing so, M Weston McKennie and F Christian Pulisic have logged ample minutes. It wouldn’t be unlikely to see them pass the torch here, especially in a group that the US should easily dominate.

The US held Uruguay scoreless, so they should be able to secure a clean sheet against Grenada.

With how Gregg Berhalter will likely play this match, and the personnel he’ll use against Grenada’s subpar attack, I would play the UNDER 4.5 (+150) as the best and only reasonable bet.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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USA vs. Uruguay odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s USMNT vs. Uruguay odds and lines, with international friendly picks and predictions.

USA welcomes Uruguay to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City for a friendly Sunday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we preview the USA vs. Uruguay odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

Both clubs will be using this as a tuneup for the 2022 World Cup, which is set to take place in Qatar, starting in November.

The USMNT is in Group B with Iran and England along with Sunday’s winner between Ukraine and Wales. Uruguay is in an easier Group H with Portugal, Ghana and South Korea.

USA will have many of its big-name players like F Christian Pulisic, who played 65 minutes against Morocco Wednesday, star M Weston McKennie, who played 18 minutes, and Bayern Munich M Malik Tillman, who made his USMNT debut.

The USMNT comes is No. 15 in the FIFA men’s rankings, and 13th-ranked Uruguay should provide a better match than what No. 24 Morocco did.

The South American side is led by Manchester United’s F Edinson Cavani, who has 56 goals in 131 caps.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

USMNT vs. Uruguay odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:13 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Uruguay +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Draw +205
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -160)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 2, Uruguay 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN USA (+180).

The USMNT has won 8 straight games in its home country, including a 2-0 win against 9th-ranked Mexico. USA’s most-recent win was a 3-0 victory over Morocco Wednesday.

Uruguay beat Mexico 3-0 Thursday despite only having 4 shots on goal. Two of the goals came from Cavani.

Uruguay has won all 5 of its international matches this year. While it has dominated lately, Uruguay was just 8-6-4 in World Cup qualifying, scoring 22 goals and allowing 22 in 18 matches.

Since Copa America, Uruguay is 0-3-1 against FIFA top-15 sides, losing twice to Argentina and once to Brazil.

Given the USMNT’s record in domestic-played games along with the extremely talented roster it is gearing up to play with at the World Cup, I’ll  back the home side.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+120).

As mentioned, USA beat Morocco 3-0. There could’ve been far more goals though as the road side tested the USMNT often and even had a missed penalty kick.

Replay the match with those chances (22 shots and 8 on target) and Morocco scores at least 2. USA capitalized on its chances, hitting 10 shots on target with 11 total attempts. USA has gone over this total in 3 of its last 5.

Uruguay is a lethal attacking side led by Cavani and also 23-year-old M Federico Valverde. Uruguay has gone over this total in 3 of its last 6 matches.

Uruguay should break through at least once in this battle.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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USA vs. Morocco odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s USMNT vs. Morocco odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

USA welcomes Morocco to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the USA vs. Morocco odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

Both clubs will be using this as a tune-up match for the 2022 World Cup which is set to take place in Qatar, starting in November.

The USMNT is in Group B with Iran and England along with one of Ukraine, Scotland or Wales. Morocco is in an extremely difficult Group F with Belgium, Croatia and Canada.

USA will have many of its big-name players like F Christian Pulisic for this match, while star M Weston McKennie is only expected to play 20 minutes.

The USMNT comes in ranked 15th in FIFA Men’s Rankings, and the 24th ranked Morocco should provide a good matchup. F Youssef En-Nesyri has 12 career national team goals for the visiting side and is the team’s most lethal attacking option.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

USMNT vs. Morocco odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:53 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Morocco +295 (bet $100 to win $295) | Draw +215
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -175)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 2, Morocco 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN USA (+100).

The United States Men’s National Team has won 7 straight games in its home country. A 2-0 win against 9th-ranked Mexico is included in those results.

Morocco has never lost to USA, but this isn’t the same caliber of team it’s used to. The most recent game Morocco played against a high-level opponent was a 2-1 loss to Egypt earlier this year where it’s only marker came on a penalty shot in the 7th minute.

Morocco was 6-0-0 with a +19 goal differential in Group I play in CAF qualifying. Again, the competition wasn’t quite at the level the USA will be playing with.

Given the USMNT’s record in domestic-played games along with the extremely talented roster they’re gearing up to play with at the World Cup, I expect them to play with pace and competence.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+130).

The USMNT is starting Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman which isn’t exactly a quick center-back combo. Miles Robinson will be out for the foreseeable future with an injury which is certainly not ideal. He’s played a key role defensively as of late.

Then, you have players like Pulisic and the talented F Jesus Ferreira expected to get a good chunk of minutes. M Tyler Adams should also be able to play with pace.

Morocco allowed just a few goals in qualifying and is led defensively by PSG D Achraf Hakimi Mouh. He has 8 goals in 48 contests. En-Nesyri could play impactful minutes as well.

It’s the riskier side, but considering who the USMNT is starting and then the threat combination of talent Morocco showed in the CAF qualifying, I expect to see a plethora of goals in Cincinnati.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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World Cup Qualifying: Honduras vs. USA odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Honduras vs. USA odds and lines, with CONCACAF World Cup qualifying picks and predictions.

In the third match of the final round of 2022 World Cup Qualifying for both teams, USA takes on Honduras Wednesday. The match is slated to start at 10:30 p.m. ET at Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Below, we preview the Honduras vs. USA odds and lines, and make our best World Cup qualifying bets, picks and predictions.

This will be the USA’s second road match, having disappointingly tied Canada 1-1 at home Sunday.

After going up 1-0 early in the second half, the Americans allowed a nice Canadian cross across the middle to find the back of the net. In the first match of the final round, the USA traveled and drew El Salvador 0-0.

The US has two draws in the final round, as does Honduras. Both sides plus Canada and El Salvador are the four that have drawn both of their first two matches. Honduras drew both El Salvador and Canada as well.

Honduras vs. USA: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Honduras +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | USA -122 (bet $122 to win $100) | Draw +215
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +125 | U: -180)

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Prediction

USA 1, Honduras 1

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the DRAW (+215) as the best value on the money line. Both sides have played the same competition and while USA drew Canada, it did so without M Gio Reyna and M Weston McKennie.

The Americans needed that win and truly didn’t deserve it. McKennie was dismissed, and now D Sergiño Dest may be out as well as he left against Canada due to an ankle injury.

There’s no reason to believe USA can come out and win this game despite F Christian Pulisic in for the side recently placed in the top-10 of FIFA’s international rankings.

USA is the better side, but it hasn’t shown that lately.

Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the UNDER 2.5 (-180) as the better value is on the money line. Typically, I’d like the full unit bet, but I’d still only go for a half unit as the price is steep.

In the four games combined for the two sides, only 4 goals have been scored. Both teams had a scoreless match in the last week, so it’s entirely possible this one doesn’t see a single goal.

USA clearly struggled to create chances, and without key midfielders, it may once again fail to move the ball. As for Honduras, behind FC Dallas M Bryan Acosta, it has played up to its level of competition.

Given how both teams have played lately, the Under is the better bet, but the price makes me hesitant to put much on it.

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.

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World Cup Qualifying: Canada vs. USA odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying match between Canada and USA, with odds, lines, picks and predictions.

In the third and final round of 2022 World Cup qualifying, Canada plays the USA at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The match is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Canada vs. USA odds and lines, and make our best World Cup qualifying bets, picks and predictions.

While the United States was given a pass to the final round, Canada had to earn its way. In its first match of the final round, Canada drew Honduras, a team that received an automatic bye to the last round as well.

The United States played El Salvador to kick off the final round and drew 1-1. Superstar F Christian Pulisic did not play but the team did have M Weston McKennie.

After a terrific Gold Cup campaign, GK Matt Turner received the nod to start for the USMNT in their first match. While this should be a close game, the United States is coming in as a strong favorite.

Canada vs. USA odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Canada +410 (bet $100 to win $410) | United States -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Draw +265
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -125)

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

Prediction

United States 2, Canada 0

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the UNITED STATES (-165) despite the steep price. Now, the valuation may be shaken once the status of Pulisic is confirmed.

He’s the USMNT wonderboy. He tested positive for COVID-19 and is looking to regain his fitness. GK Zach Steffen, the typical starter, also has remained out.

With Barcelona D Sergiño Dest and Dortmund F Giovanni Reyna on the roster, the talent is there, and the USA should be able to expose Canada at least once.

This is a good value but could go into the -200 zone if Pulisic is announced to play. Then again, it could be a plus-money bet if he’s confirmed out. For now, it’s a risk, but one that, for half a unit, is a good play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-125) as the best value in this match. Both teams hit the Under in their first final-round match.

With Turner playing well and the United States having held up for most of the Gold Cup and against El Salvador, there’s a good chance Canada doesn’t get on the board.

Canada’s Gold Cup match with Mexico ended 2-1 on a 99th-minute penalty, but its two other knockout-stage matches went to the Under. Canada drew Honduras 1-1 with only 3 shots on goal.

Although star F Cyle Larin, the goalscorer against Honduras, should be active, I’d still expect the USMNT defense to get the best of Canada.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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)

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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.

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