France vs. USA Men's Basketball Odds: 2021 Olympics Preview & Picks
On Sunday, the United States will begin their quest for their fourth consecutive gold medal at the Olympic Summer Games. The tournament places 12 countries in three groups of four, with each team playing one game in the preliminary round against each of the other teams in their group. Team USA begins their preliminary round action against France in a game that oddsmakers do not expect to be all that close.
Let’s take a look at the rosters, odds, and see where there is value for bettors in this Olympics basketball opening-round matchup .
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France vs. USA Men’s Basketball Odds
| Team France Odds | +11.5 |
| Team USA Odds | -11.5 |
| Moneyline | +450/-650 |
| Over/Under | 178.5 |
| Date | Sunday, July 25 |
| Time | 8:00 am ET |
| TV | Peacock |
| Odds accurate as of Friday at BetMGM | |
| Click Here to Bet $20 on Any Olympic Game & Win $100 Regardless of Outcome! | |
France vs. USA OIympics Preview
When these two teams met in the preliminary round in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the United States roster featured Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and DeMarcus Cousins. Still, Team USA only barely squeaked out a 100-97 victory against France. In fact, the narrow victory was a theme for the United States in 2016, having only defeated Australia by 10 points, and Serbia by three points. While Team USA was certainly capable of blowout wins as well—defeating China 119-62, and Venezuela 113-69, it is worth noting that other countries are not simply going to roll over when they see the best players in the NBA on the court.
This summer, the United States roster is not quite as star-studded as it has been during their previous three gold medal runs. Although Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Devin Booker will unquestionably be four of the most talented players in the tournament, this is a roster that has vulnerabilities, as we saw with a shocking tune-up game loss to Nigeria. Bam Adebayo and Draymond Green are defensive-minded NBA players, but convincing a host of uber-talented all-stars to lock-in defensively during what is normally their summer vacation can be a challenge. The United States also lacks some of the playmaking and perimeter sharp-shooting that has operated as a fail-safe in years past in the Games. While Team USA is the betting favorite to win gold for good reason, they are not as indestructible as they have been in recent years.
France does not have nearly as much star-power as their counterparts in this matchup, but they do have players that are familiar with the international rules, which have reportedly plagued some NBA players for the United States during their exhibition slate. American basketball fans will recognize names such as Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Frank Ntilikina, and Rudy Gobert, but there are international players such as Andrew Albicy and Nando De Colo, who could make a significant impact on this game. De Colo played briefly in the NBA, shooting 36.3 percent from deep in 119 games split between the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors.
Although France lost each of their three exhibition games, they do have quite a bit of length, which could pose problems for the United States on Sunday. Adebayo and JaVale McGee are going to have a difficult time winning the rebounding battle against a legitimate center in Gobert, who stands taller than both of them at 7’1’’. Fournier is a 6’7’’ wing presence who should relish the opportunity to be a focal point of the French offensive attack, rather than mostly being relegated to third- and fourth-option duties for the Boston Celtics this past season. Fournier is also a free agent in the NBA this offseason and could be looking to boost his value with a strong showing during the Summer Games.
Olympics Betting Picks
All of this is to say, the United States are the far-superior team in this contest. However, Team USA is still learning how to play together, and is only now adding Booker and Khris Middleton into the rotation due to the NBA Finals just ending. France has the talent and the length to keep this game close.
In 2016, the United States preliminary round game totals were 181, 182, 186, 185, and 197. Of course, this is not the exact same roster that went to Rio de Janeiro, but until proven otherwise, bettors should take the over on any market price under 180 in Tokyo. Team USA still has plenty of dynamic offensive weapons and is likely to show only a passing-interest in defense until the closing quarter—and even then, only if the outcome is in jeopardy. Expect a higher-scoring affair in this one. Take the over.
Picks: France (+11.5), Over 178.5 points
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