Olympic Betting Preview – USA look to repeat drubbing of Spain in final
Betting on sports - Olympic Betting Odds – USA vs Spain
WHO: USA vs. Spain
WHAT: Gold-medal game, 2008 Summer Olympics
WHEN: Sunday, August 24, 2:30 AM
WHERE: Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium
KEY STATS: USA beat Spain 119-82 in the group stages
It's almost mission accomplished for the Redeem Team. Offshore sportsbook odds liked them to win it all, and they have one more step to go, and that is the gold-medal game on early Sunday morning, where they will meet Spain, who have already been trounced by the Americans in this tournament. Olympic betting odds say that the USA should regain their place as the world's top basketball country.
The Americans romped to a 19-point lead after the first quarter of their semifinal game against defending Olympic champions Argentina, and they never looked back while rolling to a 101-81 victory. Carmelo Anthony made up for a poor shooting performance by going 13-for-13 from the foul line to pace the team with 21 points, as seven Americans reached double figures. Team USA also outrebounded Argentina 43-32, including 16-9 on the offensive glass.
Spain had to battle hard for a 91-86 win over Lithuania in the other semifinal, getting 19 points from Pau Gasol. Rudy Fernandez added 18 for the Spaniards, who attempted 44 free throws as opposed to 26 for the opposition.
Craig's Analysis: The Americans have heavily favored Olympic betting odds to claim the gold medal, and after their hiding of Spain in the group stages, it would be easy to see why. Team USA won by 37 points as eight players scored in double figures, they had 24 assists against Spain's 12, and they racked up 16 steals. The Americans seem to have only improved since then, and the Spaniards know that the inevitable USA run will happen at some point. Take the Americans to regain the gold medal with a huge performance against Spain.
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.
