Olympics basketball tips: Four flutters as Team USA v China headlines
Robbie Purves | August 5, 2016
With tip-off approaching, there will be plenty of familiar faces at this year’s tournament, with just one of 12 countries not possessing an NBA player, here, Coral sport writers have picked out four Olympics basketball tips…
High-scoring curtain raiser
Both Australia and France come into the this competition unbeaten in their last five encounters and boast star studded rosters. In total, the nations have averaged 170.2 points in their previous five international outings and Coral have them 7/4 to score over 156.5 points.
France, in particular, are blessed with talented shooters. Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier and Rudy Golbert are all coming off their best NBA scoring seasons and take this fine form into the competitions curtain raiser. With Tony Parker’s clever production, expect France to hit bucket after bucket.
The Aussies aren’t without scoring quality too, with NBA champions Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills possessing sharpshooting ability.
Dream Team to dominate
As always, Team USA bring a rich roster brimming with NBA superstars. Mike Krzyzewski has the likes of Carmelo Anthony, DeMarcus Cousins and recent Golden State Warriors acquisition Kevin Durant at his disposal.
In the alternative handicap betting market set at 54.5, the US look a quality punt. Prior to meeting in Brazil, Team USA played the Chinese and triumphed by 50 points, resembling more of a Harlem Globetrotter exhibition match than a competitive clash.
Now, with medals at stake, expect the US to up a gear ruthlessly attack China’s basket. Krzyzewski’s men are excellent value at 17/10 to win by 55 points or more.
USA possess two of the of the NBA’s four leading scorers last season and China – devoid of an NBA talent – will be almost helpless in defence. Team USA v China odds are thus one of the most attractive basketball bets on show in Rio this weekend.
Spain sweep aside Croatia
Spain come into the Olympics on the back of three straight wins and start second favourites to win the tournament.
With La Roja winning their Olympics warm-up matches by massive margins of more than 35 points, the alternative handicap market for this Croatia is set at just 12.5.
Sergio Scariolo’s side are 6/4 to win by 13 or more points over Croatia in our Olympics basketball tips.
Spain have won three of the last four EuroBasket titles and have two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol in their ranks. The 7ft big man was named the European competition’s 2015 MVP averaging an incredible 25.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
La Roja finished runners up in Beijing and London, so expect the nation to dispatch the Blazers with ease.
Argentina ease past Nigeria
In 2004, Argentina became the first nation other than Team USA to win the competition in 16 years, and have basketball legend Manu Ginobili headlining the selection.
With his Hall of Fame level shooting, expect the Argentines to give Nigeria a pounding. The South American nation also boast Luis Scola, a player that led his Toronto Raptors to their greatest ever playoff run.
Argentina’s alternative handicap market is set at 16.5 and, with the nation winning their last Olympics warm up game by 19 points, are 6/4 to win by 17 or more.
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