eam Canada secured a victory in an Olympic basketball game for the first time since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the program. The match against Greece was a thrilling encounter that nearly slipped away from Canada in the closing moments due to foul trouble. Key defensive players Luguentz Dort and Dillon Brooks both fouled out, giving Greece a window to mount a late surge and nearly complete a comeback. Despite the mounting pressure, Canadian superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a series of crucial plays and showed remarkable poise under pressure. Thanks to his heroics, Canada managed to hold on and clinch a hard-fought 86-79 victory.
Australia also emerged victorious in their game against Spain, placing both Australia and Canada at the top of the group table. Currently, Australia holds the top spot due to a higher point difference. The upcoming match against Australia is of paramount importance for Team Canada, as a win would significantly enhance their chances of advancing to the next round. Conversely, a loss could complicate their path, potentially leaving their qualification hopes hanging on the outcome of their final game against Spain. With the stakes so high, every play and strategy will be key in this \matchup.
Let’s look at the betting odds on both teams for this upcoming matchup.
Bet on Australia vs. Canada
AUS +5.5
CAN -5.5
Australia vs. Canada Betting Odds
Australia Moneyline Odds | +105 |
Canada Moneyline Odds | -125 |
Over/Under | 179.5 points (over -105, under -115) |
Spread | Canada -5.5 (-125) |
Time/Date | July 30, 7:30 a.m. ET |
TV | Broadcast: CBC Stream: CBC Gem |
Betting on Team Canada (1-0)
Canada became victorious over Greece in a tightly contested game that remained close until the final moments. RJ Barrett was the standout performer, leading the team with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting (62%), while also contributing four rebounds and three assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not far behind, adding 21 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, including several key shots in the clutch that proved crucial in securing the victory for Canada. Dillon Brooks also made a significant impact, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds, including hitting three three-pointers. The collective effort of these players was pivotal in edging out Greece in a game that demanded resilience and precision until the final buzzer.
Canada faced a significant challenge in defending Giannis Antetokounmpo, who delivered an outstanding performance with 34 points and five rebounds. The difficulty in containing Antetokounmpo was partly due to Canada’s decision to play a small-ball lineup, which struggled against the Greek star’s dominant presence. Despite this defensive hurdle, Canada managed to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, the next game will be against Australia, which boasts a roster filled with notable NBA talent, including players like Patty Mills and Josh Giddey. This upcoming match promises to be a high-stakes contest, as Canada will need to contend with Australia’s depth and skill to maintain their strong position in the tournament.
Betting on Team Australia (1-0)
Australia cruised to a decisive victory over Spain with a final score of 92-80, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. Jock Landale led the charge with a good performance, contributing 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Patty Mills added 19 points, while Josh Giddey delivered an impressive all-around game, tallying 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Dyson Daniels also played a key role, scoring 13 points and securing seven rebounds.
On the Spanish side, Santi Aldama was a standout performer, pouring in a game-high 27 points and connecting on six three-pointers. With this win, Australia now faces the challenge of playing against Canada, a team with notable talents such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett. The upcoming game promises to be a formidable test for Australia as they prepare to contend with Canada’s dynamic duo and depth.
RJ Barrett (CAN) over 16.5 points
-115
Australia vs. Canada Injury Concerns
- Both teams appear to be playing at full health ahead of tipoff.
Olympic Men’s Basketball Betting Trends
- Both teams came in under on total points in their tournament debuts. Keep an eye out for another low-scoring affair on Tuesday!
Olympic Men’s Basketball Player Prop Trends
- Jock Landale over 12.5 points: -145. In their opening game against Spain, Landale led Australia with a standout performance, scoring 20 points. Given that Canada is employing a small-ball lineup and lacks a dominant big man, this creates a prime opportunity for Landale to capitalize on mismatches and potentially dominate the paint. His ability to exploit these gaps could be a significant factor in going over 12.5 points in the upcoming game against Canada.
- RJ Barrett over 16.5 points: -115. Barrett had an impressive season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging nearly 22 points and six rebounds per game. His strong play has carried over into the exhibition friendlies and the first game of the group stage, where he scored 23 points. Given his recent form and consistent scoring ability, it would not be surprising if Barrett comfortably surpasses the 16.5-point mark in the upcoming game against Australia.
- Dillon Brooks over 1.5 threes: -130. Brooks has been exceptional in his three-point shooting, not only taking a significant volume of shots but also consistently converting them. In the two friendlies against France and Puerto Rico, Brooks showcased his shooting skill by making two or more three-pointers in each game. During the game against Greece, he was particularly effective, hitting 3 out of 4 attempts from beyond the arc. Given his current form and shooting accuracy, Brooks has a strong chance of surpassing this line once again in the upcoming game against Australia.
Greece vs. Canada Predictions
- Canada -5.5 Spread: -125. Australia is a highly talented team, but the disparity in overall talent between them and Canada is quite evident. Canada boasts superior guards and wings, which gives them a significant edge. It’s difficult to imagine Canada not winning by more than 6 points. In their previous game against Greece, Canada held a double-digit lead before experiencing a late collapse due to careless fouls. With better discipline and execution, Canada could have easily maintained that advantage.
- Under 177.5 Total Points: -105. In both teams’ first games, the total points scored fell under the over/under line. Canada is known for its strong defensive capabilities and will likely aim to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Given Canada’s defensive prowess and the trends observed in the initial games, it’s reasonable to expect that the upcoming game will also stay under the total points line.