Olympic Basketball Betting – “Redeem Team” aims to roll over Aussies
Sports book Olympic Betting Odds: USA (-31), Australia (+31)
WHAT: Men's Olympic basketball
WHO: USA vs. Australia
WHEN: Wednesday, August 20, 8:00 a.m. ET
WHERE: Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium
KEY STATS: USA (5-0), Australia (3-2)
The United States men's basketball team has been dubbed the “Redeem Team” after their disappointing third-place showing at the 2006 World Championships, and they've lived up to the moniker thus far by romping through the preliminary rounds, winning their five games by an average margin of 32.2 points.
On Wednesday morning, the Americans will take on Australia in the quarterfinal round. Sports betting odds say the Americans are 31-point favorites, while Australia are on the hunt for their biggest win ever as a national basketball team.
The Americans wrapped up first place in Group B with a 106-57 rout of Germany as five players reached double figures, led by Dwight Howard's 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting. LeBron James added 18 and Kobe Bryant had 13 for the Americans, who shot 54.5 per cent from the field while out-rebounding the Germans 53-38. The Americans also were superior in terms of ball movement, racking up 20 assists to Germany's nine.
Australia rolled to a 106-75 romp over Lithuania in their last group game and placed fourth in Group A. Andrew Bogut was a monster, notching 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting, but he wasn't the only story as six Australians reached double digits. The Australians were also an outlandish 16-for-25 from beyond the arc. They had 13 steals as well.
Craig's Analysis: The Australians are telling everyone an upset is possible, and you'd better have confidence in yourself if Olympic betting odds have you as 31-point underdogs.
However, this USA team is the definition of a juggernaut and they don't lose any production when the starters sit down. With a second unit of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Chris Bosh leading the way, how could the production drop?
The big match-ups to watch will be at center, where Howard and Bogut will battle it out in the post. Australian point guard Patrick Mills will try to use his quickness against an aging Jason Kidd. But the Australians don't have answer for the likes of James and Bryant, not to mention Carmelo Anthony and a reinvigorated Dwayne Wade.
They likely won't cover the points, but take the Americans to continue their journey towards gold with a comfortable win on Wednesday.
Full list of Olympic betting odds
Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing? Sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
