USA vs France Odds and Picks – Olympic Men’s Basketball July 25th

• Team USA faces France in the opener for both teams at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday
• The star-studded Americans enter as a heavy -850 favorite
• Get the odds, analysis, and prediction below

The Tokyo Olympics are officially underway, with Men’s Basketball beginning on Saturday. However, all eyes will be on Sunday’s contest between Team USA and France, with tip-off scheduled for 8am ET.

The Americans got off to a rocky start in their exhibition games, losing to Nigeria and Australia. However, the squad bounced back with victories over Argentina and Spain before heading to Tokyo. France meanwhile, lost their final tune-up game to Rui Hachimura and Japan.

USA vs France Odds

Odds as of July 24th.

Can Team USA Live up to The Hype?

By no surprise, the US is a heavy -320 favorite to win the tournament, with the next closest team being Australia at +750. On paper, Gregg Popovich’s squad is stacked from top to bottom. The likes of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Zach LaVine will all suit up for their country, among others.

Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker have also just joined the States after wrapping up the NBA Finals. This roster is full of pure scorers and shooters who can catch fire in a hurry. Draining points should be absolutely no problem for the Americans, it’s just a matter of finding chemistry with one another. It’s also a plus that in international competition, the three-point line is even closer to the hoop.

However, there isn’t a ton of playmaking on the US. If they do go cold and struggle to score, Team USA will need to make sure to not turn into individual players who try and do everything on their own. Defensively, having Holiday join the States is a huge plus. He’s an elite perimeter defender who will certainly have an important role in that regard.

Draymond Green has the ultimate respect for Devin Booker, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday competing for Team USA right after the NBA Finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/J22jIBBNvZ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 24, 2021

Aside from the Bucks guard though, the USA can be vulnerable. It was evident in their losses to Nigeria and Australia. With that being said, let’s just hope they don’t struggle offensively. Or else, an upset could be in the cards on Sunday against an experienced France club.

Gobert, Fournier Leading France

There are a few notable names on the French roster who will be key figures in their pursuit of a medal in the Olympic Games. Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert, and Nic Batum headline France, while Frank Nkilitina, Timothy Luwawu-Cabarrot also play in the NBA.

Gobert, who is coming off another Defensive Player of the Year award with the Utah Jazz this season, will be relied upon to be an imposing figure on both ends of the floor in the Olympics. Fournier, meanwhile, is fresh off a solid year with the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics where he averaged 17.1 points on 41% shooting from downtown.

Euroleague standout Nando de Colo will join Fournier in the France backcourt and is more than capable of getting hot. At 34-years-old, he’s one of their most experienced players who is a lethal offensive weapon. Batum is also a solid option on the wing and will likely be tasked with guarding the unstoppable KD in Sunday’s meeting.

The USA and France — who play a little basketball game tomorrow — were back-to-back in the line last night for the opening ceremony. Draymond says there was some chanting back and forth, but no talking with the French players.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 24, 2021

The French might only have +1600 odds to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, but they can’t be taken lightly. Gobert and Co. will be looking to right their wrongs after failing to medal in 2012 and 2016.

France already has fond memories of beating Team USA as well after upsetting them by double-digits in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. However, Vincent Collet’s squad went 0-3 in their exhibition contests, losing to Spain twice and to Japan.

USA vs France Prediction

This isn’t an easy victory for the US by any means. Their lack of comradery was crystal clear prior to landing in Tokyo and France has the ability to put up a very respectable fight. Personally, the 12-point spread is a little steep to bet on. I believe it’s going to be much closer.

But, I see more value in the over here. The US is full of electrifying scorers that don’t play great defense, which means the French will have an opportunity to stay in this game. Although the quarters are just 10 minutes, hitting over 176.5 points combined should be no problem.

Pick: Over 176.5 Points (-105)