Olympics basketball tips: Team USA to triumph as France find shooting stroke
Robbie Purves | August 12, 2016
With tip-off approaching for the final few group matches, Coral sport writers have picked out five Olympics basketball tips.
Team USA remain staunch favourites, while France have developed into a real contender for the top prize.
USA to steam past Serbia
As usual, USA bring a rich roster brimming with NBA superstars. Coach 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 28.5, the US look a quality punt. The star studded roster can simply blow teams out the water at will, and sit comfortably top of their group with a perfect three wins. Expect the USA to thrash Serbia by 29 points or more, with Coral having the nation 7/4 to do it.
France to feature in high scoring game
France have transformed themselves into title contenders during this tournament scoring freely, and their encounter against Venezuela will be no different.
Les Bleus 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 clash. With Tony Parker’s clever production, expect France to hit buckets with ease.
Over their last few games, the two nations have averaged a combined 154.3 points and are 6/4 to score over 146.5 in their match up.
Argentina to oust hosts
Argentina became the first nation other than Team USA to win the competition in 16 years at the 2004 games, and hold an ace in the form of basketball legend Manu Ginobili. This experience and shooting ability, combined with Toronto Raptors’ Luis Scola providing a paint presence, make the Argentinians overwhelming favourites.
In the alternative handicap betting market set at 4.5, Argentina look worth a punt. In their last four wins, the nation have done it by well over seven points and are 8/5 to triumph by five points or more against Brazil, who have lost four of their last six games.
La Roja will relish Lithuania clash
Despite a rocky start, Spain clicked against Nigeria and showed their clash and basketball pedigree.
In three of the nation’s last four wins, the Pau Gasol-led outfit have won by at least 15 points and are 17/10 to triumph by over nine against Lithuania in the alternative handicap market.
Shooting to stall in low scoring clash
Nigeria come into their clash with Croatia without a win in their Olympics campaign, while the Blazers are also yet to find their shooting stroke.
The two disappointing low scoring nations have averaged a total of 155.7 points per game in their Olympic campaign, and are 21/10 to manage between 154-164.
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