Jul 10, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; USA forward Lebron James (6) looks on during the third quarter against Canada in the USA Basketball Showcase at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
The race for the Gold Medal in Men’s Basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France begins on July 27 with Spain vs. Australia. The USA tips off its Olympic Games with a matchup against Serbia.
Keep scrolling for a look at the odds to win the Gold Medal, notable players to keep an eye on and more:
Gold Medal Odds | |
---|---|
USA -500 | Canada +1100 |
France +1400 | Serbia +1500 |
Greece +1900 | Germany +3000 |
Australia +4500 | Spain +5000 |
Brazil +10000 | Puerto Rico +30000 |
South Sudan +40000 | Japan +50000 |
As you can see, the USA is a heavy favorite to win the Gold with Canada, France and Serbia bringing up the rear. Team USA has already downed Canada and Australia in Abu Dhabi at their Summer Showcase.
Canada, France, Australia and Serbia are packed with NBA players, which is why they’re considered teams that could make a run for a podium. Australia made a late push against the USA on Monday, losing by just 6 points, and they’re a team that feels slightly undervalued here. Australia avoids the USA and France in the group stage, but Canada will be a tough out.
After Spain, odds start to drop off quite a bit. Brazil, Puerto Rico, South Sudan and Japan all have odds above +10000.
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The 12 teams are divided into 3 groups for the opening Group phase of the tournament. The top 2 teams from each group automatically move on to the quarterfinals round, as well as the 2 best 3rd place teams.
Each team plays the other and nets 2 points for a win, 1 point for a loss and 0 points for a loss by forfeit. Once 8 spots have been earned the competition becomes an 8-team elimination tournament.
Here’s a look at the Groups for the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as their odds to win their group per DraftKings Sportsbook:
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group A is by far the most competitive group, with all teams having a legitimate shot at winning the group. Group B seems to be a 2-horse race between France and Germany while Group C is effectively the USA’s to lose.
Best Bets, 2024 Men’s Olympic Basketball | Odds |
---|---|
LeBron James Most Total Points Scored | +650 |
USA over 96.5 Points vs. Serbia | -110 |
Canada -6.5 vs. Greece | -110 |
This bet on LeBron is the safest available for the “Most Points Scored” category in my opinion. I understand there are younger players that have been averaging more, but LeBron is still the leader of this team and he’ll be high in points for every single game. That consistency could pay off.
Serbia has some strong players, namely Nikola Jokic and Nikola Jovic. But Serbia is still massively outgunned and will find playing defense against Team USA troublesome.
Let’s throw Canada some love. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, Canada should be looking to make a real run at the Gold this season. They well outmatch Greece this time around, and I could see this one being a blowout.
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Down South and contributor with SBD!