Men’s Olympic Basketball Betting Preview and Picks

Men’s Olympic Basketball Pick Analysis

Our Men’s Olympic Basketball betting guide dives into the games set to hit Paris on July 27th. The stage is set for another Olympic showdown, and the United States men’s basketball team enters the Paris Games as the clear favorite according to the Olympic Games odds.

This dominance is unsurprising, with Team USA capturing gold in all but one competition since integrating NBA players. Argentina’s upset victory in 2004 remains the lone exception.

While Team USA remains the team to beat, this year’s tournament promises to be thrilling. Several teams boast the potential to medal and challenge the American juggernaut. Canada, fielding the second-highest number of NBA players, presents a strong threat with All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.

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Europe joins the fray with a host of contenders. France, playing on home soil, welcomes young phenom Victor Wembanyama, bolstering their already formidable squad. Meanwhile, Germany, fresh off their FIBA World Cup victory over Team USA, aims to defend their title with a veteran core and a sprinkle of NBA talent.

Don’t discount Greece and Serbia either, though they have less top-level talent than some other countries, they have Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their brilliance could prove a game-changer.

Our Men’s Olympic Basketball betting guide focuses on Team USA’s chances to win gold at -800. We aren’t making soccer picks, and when it comes to Olympic basketball picks, the USA is a lock.

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Odds to win Men’s Olympic Basketball

Here are the current 2024 Olympic men’s basketball odds to win the gold medal:

Men’s Olympic Basketball Betting Analysis

Team USA enters the Olympics as the overwhelming favorite, though some might find the -800 odds a touch conservative. A complete collapse seems improbable. Their roster has unmatched depth and talent, with Joel Embiid’s addition solidifying their ability to counter any opponent’s star player. While their first USA Basketball Showcase game against Australia raised eyebrows, expect this team to shine under the Olympic spotlight.

They’ve assembled a dream team of American basketball elites. Yet, as the World Cup showed, talent alone doesn’t guarantee victory. This squad blends youthful energy with seasoned veterans who have won gold before.

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant lead the veteran charge. For Curry, injuries make this his Olympic debut. James and Durant are likely to retire from international play after this tournament, making anything less than gold a disappointing finale. Together with Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White, they boast a combined 15 NBA championships – the ultimate recognition in the world’s premier basketball league.

While some competitors likely will have superior team chemistry, Team USA’s unmatched talent is undeniable. History is littered with examples of talent losing to teamwork, and that’s where defense becomes paramount. Team USA fields an army of elite defenders. With Davis and Embiid anchoring the paint, Tatum and Edwards guarding the wings, and the lockdown duo of Holiday and White patrolling the backcourt, this team has the potential to be an impenetrable force.

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Men’s Olympic Basketball Previous Winners and Betting Trends

As mentioned, Team USA has dominated this event since they started letting NBA players play on the team. They’ve won gold in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2020. There have been a few new faces on the podium, however. Last Olympics France medalled for the first time since 2000, and Australia won their first medal in Men’s Olympic Basketball ever.

Men’s Olympic Basketball Betting Picks

Our Men’s Olympic Betting Guide thinks Team USA will take home the Gold. Look at Canada, Serbia or France to grab one of the other medals. They likely can’t upset the USA for the Gold but are all great teams.