Men’s basketball at the Olympics 2024 kicks off with fireworks on display as the group of death headlines the opening day.
Australia, Spain, Canada, and Greece all play each other on Saturday at Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Meanwhile, SBOTOP basketball fans will also tune in to watch Victor Wembanyama make his Olympic debut as France square off against Brazil.
Australia vs Spain
The Boomers are locked and loaded to start their 2024 Olympic run. With top-tier NBA talents and national team veterans at their disposal, there’s no way that this team wouldn’t threaten a podium finish.
Their first test is against Spain, also a team looking for a strong tournament.
Both squads are ranked inside the top ten of the FIBA men’s rankings, and if you have nothing to do on Saturday, then I highly suggest you tune in for this one.
Australia—bronze medallists at the 2020 Olympics—are led by Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and Joe Ingles to name a few. 2016 NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova is also present with the squad, along with Houston Rockets’ Jock Landale and Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green.
For their offence, look no further than Mills and Giddey to steer the Boomers in the right direction. Giddey is a versatile and tall guard, whilst Mills is a proven scorer regardless of age.
Dyson Daniels is also one to look out for. The 21-year-old point guard stands at 6-foot-8 and is capable of playing on both ends of the floor.
Even with this squad, I figure Spain aren’t nervous of this team one bit.
They have seen and faced the greatest of international teams, and they are hungry for another medal. The Hernangomez brothers—Juancho and Willy—look to spearhead La Roja to victory together with Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama.
Trusted vets Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull make yet another Olympic outing. With this perhaps their last time in representing their country, they would hope to bow out with a bang.
Both countries have faced each other three times in the past; Spain won all meetings.
However, this one is a bit different. Australia are more dangerous and are the better team on paper. They are the favourites at 1.42, whilst Spain are priced at 2.72.
And although the game isn’t won on paper, expect this one to play out the same on the court.
Betting tip: Australia Money line @ 1.42
Greece vs Canada
Even in the group of death, the Olympics 2024 odds are still comfortable they’ll come out unscathed. Why wouldn’t they? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett can easily go toe-to-toe with anyone. As for their defence, Dillon Brooks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Lu Dort are some of the perimeter defenders you can find.
Perhaps only the United States can match the star power Canada have to offer.
Whilst Canada poses a danger on every part of the floor, Greece, on the other hand, pin their hopes on former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. An NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, the towering power forward is one of the best players in the league.
He has experienced teammates by his side, like Nick Calathes and Kostas Papanikolau. But I’m afraid they’re going to be overpowered from the get go by this strong Canadian side.
The Greeks are priced at 3.27, but don’t mind that. You will be losing cash betting on them, guaranteed.
Betting tip: Canada Asian Handicap -8.00 @ 1.97
France vs Brazil
Victor Wembanyama will show up and show out. He will have an abundance of Olympics 2024 highlights from the get go, and dominate every step of the way.
Trust us on this one; only the United States will cause Wembanyama problems.
But even if Wemby struggles, his team will be quite alright. Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, and Nicolas Batum will be leading from the front with their NBA experience. Former Euroleague MVP Nando De Colo will also be making an appearance.
Make no mistake, Brazil will put up a fight. But it will be a losing effort.
Raul Neto, Bruno Caboclo, and Cristiano Felicio will lead with their NBA experience, whilst Yago Dos Santos is a spitfire.
Sadly, they will fall nonetheless.
France are heavy favourites for this one at 1.10, but our team thinks this one will be over swiftly. Look for France to break away early in the match and blow the game wide open.
Betting tip: France Asian Handicap -13.00 @ 2.07
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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