Get ready for slam dunks and buzzer-beaters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where basketball takes centre stage as one of the most thrilling sports on the global stage. The Olympic basketball tournament is the pinnacle of international competition, often surpassing the excitement of the World Cup. The USA is the best example, remaining the perennial favourite and boasting a star-studded roster that’s hard to beat.
In this ultimate betting guide, our tipsters break down the top contenders, analyse group favourites, and offer expert tips to help you maximise your returns. Read on to learn how to make the most of your bets!
Favourites for Olympic Gold
While the United States is the overwhelming favourite, the battle for the podium promises to be fierce, with teams like Canada, France, and Serbia ready to challenge the American dominance. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders and their odds, giving you the insider edge for your bets.
United States: The Overwhelming Favourite
The USA’s basketball team enters Paris 2024 as the heavy favourite, with an odds-on winning probability of 1.16. This star-studded lineup, featuring NBA icons like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, is a powerhouse on paper. Despite close calls in recent friendlies, their sheer talent and depth make them the team to beat. Anything less than a gold medal would be a shocker, setting the stage for high-stakes action in the betting world.
Canada’s Rising Stars
Canada has emerged as a formidable force, boasting key players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. Although they might miss Andrew Wiggins, their odds of 10.30 indicate a strong potential for a medal finish, with an outside shot at gold.
France’s Home Court Advantage
Host nation France is not only playing on home turf but also brings a competitive squad led by the towering Victor Wembanyama and defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert. With odds of 14.40, France aims to leverage their home advantage to secure a medal, especially after a disappointing World Cup run.
Serbia: The Jokic Factor
Serbia, spearheaded by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, is a team built for the FIBA style of play. Known for their strategic approach and adaptability, Serbia has the potential to upset higher-ranked teams. With odds of 17.00, they present an attractive option
Olympic Basketball Group Predictions: Who Will Advance to the Knockout Rounds?
With 12 teams divided into three groups, the battle for quarter-final spots is heating up. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will move on to the quarter finals.
Group A: Australia, Canada, Greece and Spain
Featuring Australia, Canada, Greece, and Spain, Group A is the most unpredictable and competitive group in the tournament. Known as the “Group of Death,” it boasts four teams with legitimate medal ambitions, but one of them will be out at the first hurdle. Canada and Greece are the main favourites to reach the quarter-finals thanks to their individual skills, but the collective play of Australia and Spain makes this group a big question mark.
Group B: France, Germany, Japan and Lithuania
In this group, France and Germany are the clear favourites to advance. As the host nation with a solid defensive setup and the star power of players like Rudy Gobert, France is the favourite to top the group. Fresh off their recent World Cup triumph, Germany brings confidence and a strong squad to the table. Their battle with France for group supremacy will be one to watch.
Group C: USA, Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico
The USA and Serbia will dominate this group, although the Americans struggled to beat Sudan in the warm-up matches. The USA’s incredible line-up and Serbia’s tactical prowess (and Jokic, of course) make it impossible to see either falling out of this group. Third place will be very close, while we all wonder if Serbia can surprise the USA for the top spot in the group?
Tips for fine-tuning your bets
- Player Analysis: Fitness and Form. Before placing your bets, dive deep into player analysis. Consider the fitness levels of key players and assess their recent performance. Always check the latest updates on player conditions.
- Check Team Line-Ups for Key Absences: Team rosters can change dramatically due to injuries or other factors. A team missing a key player—such as France without Victor Wembanyama—could perform very differently than anticipated. Make sure to verify line-ups before betting.
- Recent stats, results and head to head records: Analyse recent results and head-to-head statistics. Teams on a winning streak often have higher confidence and better cohesion, making them stronger contenders.Additionally, consider specific team strengths, like three-point shooting prowess, which can be a critical factor against teams that struggle to defend beyond the arc.
- Explore Various Betting Markets:Don’t limit yourself to just betting on the outright winner. Explore different markets, such as point spreads, over/under totals, and player-specific bets. Choose the market that aligns best with your analysis and risk appetite.
Conclusion
Betting on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games basketball tournament adds excitement to the games and can be lucrative if you follow these tips and carefully analyse each match.
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