Following their 2004 disaster in Athens, the United States has won the previous three gold medals in men’s basketball. Since 1992, the USA has won gold at every Olympics with that 2004 exception. With such a dominant tradition, team USA is the prohibitive Summer Olympics betting favorite to repeat. But before everyone gets carried away, they should consider the improvement of the other teams. There are several other viable alternatives. Serbia and Spain can beat anyone they play. Further complicating the handicap is America’s terrible play leading up to the Olympics.
2021 Summer Olympic Games Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Odds
| Date and Time: | July 23 Through August 8, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Tokyo, Japan |
| TV Coverage: | NBC Family of Networks |
Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| USA | -750 |
| Spain | +1400 |
| Australia | +1400 |
| France | +2900 |
| Slovenia | +2900 |
| Argentina | +3400 |
| Nigeria | +5000 |
| Italy | +5000 |
2021 Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, the American’s are understandable but expensive sportsbook favorites. In like manner to other sports, the United States is the biggest brand in international basketball. Team USA is comprised of big-name NBA stars that are globally known. No other team has the name-brand cache of the Americans. As a result, the gambling handle on the Americans is an overload. Which means there is plenty of justification to question their value. Sharps will be looking elsewhere for capable teams at superior prices.
USA -750
First, the United States is the greatest international basketball program in history. Since 1948, the Americans won gold all but three times (discounting their 1980 boycott). But with that success comes the expensive gambling price tag. And a potential sense of entitlement among players and coaches.
Naturally, the Americans bring a loaded roster. Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Damian Lillard man the USA marquee. NBA legend Gregg Popovich is the head coach. Durant will compete in a team-best third Olympiad. To summarize, Popovich is an Olympic head coach for the first time. He is a five-time NBA champion head coach.
Spain +1400
Although Spain has never won a gold medal, their current team can deliver a first Olympic title. Keep in mind that Spain won the FIBA World Cup in 2019. Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol leads Spain on the hardwood. Accordingly, Gasol is a three-time NBA All-Star. Also, Gasol was a member of the 2019 Toronto Raptors NBA championship team. Head coach Sergio Scariolo was an assistant with that Raptors title winner.
Australia +1400
Australia is a rapidly emerging global power in basketball. Although the Boomers have never won a medal in hoops, this is the team that can change that. Australia boasts a total of seven NBA players on their roster.
Of great concern to Americans is that the Aussies beat Team USA 91-83 in an exhibition game last week. San Antonio guard Patty Mills led Australia with 22 points. While Utah forward Joe Ingles added 17 points
2021 Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the Americans bring an NBA All-Star roster. Notwithstanding that, the Americans carry a heavy price with the Summer Olympic Games odds. Counter to that is Spain and their World Cup championship status. Spain has the look of a team ready to break out as a new world power.
2021 Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball Best Bet: Spain.