The Paris Olympics are set to begin, and the Men’s Basketball tournament promises intense competition as Team USA aims to defend their gold medal.
With a star-studded roster, Team USA is on a quest for their fifth consecutive Olympic gold, but they face formidable challenges from other talented teams like Canada, France, and Serbia. Here’s a look at the main contenders and betting picks for the tournament.
Men’s Basketball Tournament Information
- Event: Paris Olympics 2024
- Dates:
- Preliminary Phase: July 27 – August 3
- Quarter-finals: August 6
- Semi-finals: August 8
- Bronze and Gold Medal Games: August 10
Tournament Favorites
Below is a list of the favorites to win the Men’s Basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics 2024, along with their updated odds via BetOnline.
While Team USA remains the clear favorite, the talent and potential of other teams like Canada, France, and Serbia cannot be overlooked. Whether betting on the favorites or looking for value in dark horses, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the action on the court and make some strategic bets.
Team USA (-800)
Team USA boasts an impressive lineup of NBA superstars, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid. This 2024 squad, with a combined 11 NBA Titles and eight NBA MVP awards, is arguably one of the best teams ever assembled.
Despite losing Kawhi Leonard on short notice, the team’s depth, with talents like Tyrese Haliburton and Devin Booker, ensures they remain the tournament favorites. At -800, Team USA’s bet offers little value but stands as the obvious choice given their historical dominance and current roster strength.
Team Canada (+850)
Canada’s national team is rich in NBA talent, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Dillon Brooks. Their bronze medal win over the USA at the 2023 World Cup has raised expectations.
Though they will miss Andrew Wiggins, the depth and talent of their squad make them strong contenders. At +850, Canada presents a solid value bet, especially if Team USA falters.
Team France (+1700)
As the host nation, France hopes to leverage home-court advantage. With defensive stalwarts Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama, France has a formidable frontcourt. Their strong performances in warm-up games have shortened their odds. At +1700, France is a long-shot with considerable value for a surprise gold medal run.
Team Serbia (+2000)
Led by NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, Serbia is always a threat. Despite not being in the top three for bookmakers, Jokic's presence makes them dangerous.
Serbia’s run to the gold medal game at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they lost to Germany, showcased their potential. Alongside Jokic, NBA player Bogdan Bogdanovic and former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic add to their strength. At +2000, Serbia offers intriguing odds for a team with high-quality players.
Other Notable Contenders
- Germany (+1200): A rising force in international basketball, Germany’s strong showing at the FIBA World Cup makes them a team to watch.
- Australia (+2800): Known for their gritty play and team chemistry, Australia can surprise top teams on their day.
- Spain (+5000): Traditionally strong in international competitions, Spain could leverage their experience to make a deep run.
- Greece (+6600): With a strong basketball tradition, Greece has the potential to cause upsets.
- South Sudan (+15000): Emerging as a new power in African basketball, South Sudan’s odds reflect their outsider status.
- Brazil (+25000): A long shot, Brazil’s history in basketball keeps them in the conversation.
- Japan (+50000) and Puerto Rico (+50000): Both teams are extreme long shots with potential to play spoiler roles.