2024 Paris Olympics Basketball Odds & Picks: Monday (7/29)
There are two exciting women’s basketball games on the schedule later today.
Canada will face France at 11:15 a.m. ET, while the United States will face Japan at 3:00 p.m. ET. We’ll discuss both matchups below and give our best bets.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Sunday’s Best Women’s Olympic Basketball Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Canada vs. France
The French Women’s National Team will have a home-court advantage against Canada to begin their journey in the Paris Olympics. France has a lot of capable scorers on the roster, including Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes. Those are the two stars to look out for.
In the 2020 Olympic Games, France won the bronze medal game, earning a 91-76 victory over Serbia. Seven different players scored in double figures to earn a medal. It’s fair to assume that France has some of the best depth in the entire tournament.
Meanwhile, in the same 2020 Olympic Games, Canada couldn’t get out of Group A. Kia Nurse was ultimately their best scorer then. But now she’s got help, thanks to Aaliyah Edwards joining the team again. Edwards is a notable rookie for the Washington Mystics that could help Canada stick around against one of the nation’s best national teams. She was on the team in the 2020 Olympics, but she barely got to play because she was super young., Now she’s ready to make an impact.
Canada struggled to score at the last Olympic Games. However, Canada should be better this year. Let’s back the Over 142.5 for this game.
Pick: Over 142.5 (-110)
United States vs. Japan
The quest for gold begins today for Team USA. They’ll open up pool play action against Japan.
If you recall, the USA faced Japan in the Gold Medal game at the 2020 Olympics. Of course, the USA won, 90-75. But Japan won’t be an easy first game for the US.
Brittney Griner took control and finished with 30 points on 14-for-18 shooting. However, most of the US bench didn’t contribute much in that game. That said, the US looks deeper than it’s ever looked. I know Caitlin Clark isn’t on the roster. But this team still has A’ja Wilson leading the show, along with other elite athletes making their first appearances, like Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu.
The talent in women’s basketball has been significantly higher over the last four years.
It’s unlikely Japan will earn more rebounds. In addition, Japan shot just 36.4% from the field against the US last year, while the United States hit nearly 54% of shots. The United States should dominate around the rim, especially if the US decides to start Wilson, Griner, and Breanna Stewart together.
Let’s back the United States to take care of business. In Group play, every point matters in the standings.
Pick: USA -20.5 (-110)