The USA are bidding for their fifth straight gold medal in 5×5 men’s basketball here at the Olympics 2024.
The Stars and Stripes are joined by Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico in Group C. Meanwhile, Group A has Australia, Greece, Canada, and Spain, and Group B has hosts France, Germany, Japan, and Brazil.
The top two teams in their respective groups will automatically qualify for the knockout phase, while only two third-placers will be able to join, depending on their classification points, quotient, and FIBA ranking.
Needless to say, every game will be played with a huge sense of urgency here in Paris, and SBOTOP basketball fans are in for a huge treat with some of these tasty matchups.
Australia vs Spain
One of the first matches on the schedule to look out for is the clash between Australia and Spain.
Just like in Tokyo before, Australia are a dangerous team in Paris, as they’re stacked with NBA-calibre talent, which was evident when they recently upset Serbia in their friendly in Abu Dhabi.
Despite getting up there in age, Patty Mills, 35, will continue to carry the Boomers’ offence with his smooth jumper. For some reason, he morphs into a world-beater every time he plays for his country.
Australia have refreshed their side with new young additions, such as Josh Green, Dyson Daniels, and Josh Giddey, to fortify their backcourt.
Spain will rely on their collective experience to see this through. Although they no longer have Serge Ibaka, Ricky Rubio, and the Gasol brothers, the 2019 FIBA World Cup champions will be led by the Hernangomez brothers, Sergio Llull, six-time Olympian Rudy Fernandez, and youngsters Usman Garuba and Santi Aldama.
Betting tip: Australia Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 1.94
Serbia vs USA
The USA remain undefeated in their build-up to the Paris Olympics, as they secured their third friendly win in a row against Serbia. In the said game, the USA steamrolled Serbia with a score of 105-79 through their balanced effort, with Steph Curry leading the way with 24 points.
Nikola Jokic had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Serbia, while Aleksa Avramovic notched 14 points in the losing effort. Serbia were coming off a loss to Australia on Tuesday, in which they rested skipper Bogdan Bogdanovic.
While the USA are expected to dazzle the fans in Paris by creating numerous Olympics 2024 highlights, it’s their defence that will ultimately win them the gold medal.
Head coach Steve Kerr had the idea of pairing up Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo together, a combo they will likely use in the latter rounds of the tournament, especially if they face a big team like France.
Meanwhile, there’s still no update about Kevin Durant, who hasn’t played for the USA due to an apparent calf injury. If he doesn’t make it in time for Paris, the USA will be making their second lineup replacement after removing Kawhi Leonard in favour of Derrick White last week.
Betting tip: USA Asian Handicap -15.50 @ 1.84
Greece vs Canada
The Group A matchup between Greece and Canada will not be short of star power since it will feature two perennial NBA MVP candidates.
Canada have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while Greece have Giannis Antetokounmpo, although the Olympics 2024 odds are in favour of the Maple Leafs.
Canada are expected to beat Greece because they have 10 NBA players, compared to only one for Greece. Other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada can expect production from RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Kelly Olynyk, and Jamal Murray.
Greece need the likes of Thomas Walkup, Georgios Papagiannis, Nick Calathes, and Kostas Antetokounmpo to step up if they are going to give Canada a huge run for their money.
Betting tip: Canada Asian Handicap –5.50 @ 1.92
France vs Germany
The biggest match in Group B is the one between France and Germany, since this will likely be the battle for the top spot.
Germany may be the reigning FIBA World Cup champions after going undefeated last year, but they have yet to face a team like France.
Die Mannschaft have the Wagner brothers, Dennis Schroder, Andreas Obst, and Daniel Theis, but we’re not sure how they could handle Les Bleus’ towering frontcourt.
With Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama in tow, France have the biggest one-two punch of the tournament. Both are elite rim protectors and finishers, while Wembanyama has a versatile skillset on offence.
At the same time, France also have Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, Bilal Coulibaly, and Frank Ntilikina, who are all capable of holding their own as well.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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