With the Olympics starting next week, let’s take a look at who could be taking home Gold in men’s basketball. The odds and offers are based on NJ sportsbooks, such as betMGM and bet365 NJ.
USA as Heavy Favorites
As you may have guessed, the USA are heavy favorites to win the Gold medal at -500 (DraftKings). With the United States being such heavy favorites, let’s take a look at some alternatives to win Gold.
Don’t forget all new customers at DraftKings are getting up to $300 in bonus bets when you place a bet of at least $5.
Improvement in Global Basketball
Let’s face it, basketball around the world has collectively gotten better. This isn’t 1992 anymore where the USA will stomp over everyone and win by 40+ en route to a gold medal. It can happen, but it’s not the same as it used to be. Teams like Canada (+1100 – best odds at Borgata Sports), France (+1400), Serbia (+1500), and Greece (+1900) can make some real noise and shake things up at Olympics Men’s Basketball in Paris this summer of 2024.
Canada
We start with Canada: They have the names of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Lu Dort, and Dillion Brooks on their squad. When you have an NBA MVP caliber player on your squad, you automatically have a shot. They won their group in the World Cup last year, made some noise in the knockout stage, and went toe-to-toe with Team USA on Wednesday night in Vegas.
France
France is always an enticing play and will have a home-court advantage for this year’s games. Their roster has plenty of NBA talent that has plenty of size with giants Rudy Gobert of the T’Wolves and Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs. Not only does France have those two big NBA men, but they also have Mustapha Fall and Mathias Lessort who were dominant in the EuroLeague. If France can establish that big-man game and get a little bit of help from their guards, France could be worth a sprinkle at +1400 to win Gold on their home soil.
Serbia
Serbia is a team that should never really be overlooked. They have 2-time MVP award winner Nikola Jokic along with NBA sharp-shooter Bogdan Bogdanovic, those two names alone should be enough to lure you in. Moreover, what makes Serbia so lethal is their ability to play team basketball. European basketball is known for its fundamentals, and Serbia is the cream of the crop. Serbia came in second in the World Cup and has been placed in the same group as the USA for the Olympics. They wouldn’t be my betting favorite pick, but they too can be a real threat to win gold, but their odds suggest it is going to be a real longshot. Check out these bonus bets and sportsbook promo codes for NJ.
Greece
Finally, with Greece, the only reason why they are on this list to me is because this is the best-constructed team to work around Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have a legitimate center that can rebound and be a true rim protector. They have guards that can defend and shoot the three ball. Lastly, they have a point guard who not only is a pass-first guy, but is regarded as “the best passer I have ever seen” by Rick Pitino. The philosophy that Greece has is clearly working, as they breezed through the qualifier games, and for a true longshot play at odds +1900, it is definitely worth putting some money on. The only fear with this play is they are in the group of death with Spain, Canada, and Australia. Should Greece advance to the knockouts, they could be the best team to compete with Team USA for gold.
The Play: Betting Predictions and Team USA Odds
Obviously Team USA is the heavy favorite, but if you want to have a little fun and end up with a nice return, throw some money on Team France. The two big guys mentioned above, plus other NBA talents like Nico Batum, Evan Fournier, and former NBA lottery pick Frank Ntilkina, they could be a tough matchup with their size and +1400 there is enough skin in the game to give you a nice return if you don’t want to bet the heavy favorite.
Favorite to Win Olympic Men’s Basketball 2024
Team USA is the heavy favorite to win the gold medal in men’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The odds strongly favor the USA at -400, indicating an 86.21% implied probability of winning.
Olympics 2024 Best Betting Offers for NJ
For New Jersey players looking to bet on the Olympics, here are some top sportsbook apps and offers:
- DraftKings: New customers can get up to $300 in bonus bets with a minimum bet of $5. Additionally, DraftKings offers comprehensive betting options and competitive odds on Olympic events.
- BetMGM Sportsbook NJ – Best Offer: Offering a risk-free first bet up to $1,000 for new users, BetMGM is a strong choice for those looking to place significant wagers. BetMGM also provides extensive market coverage and promotional offers for the Olympics. Use bonus code NJDOTBET.
- FanDuel: New users can receive a $1,000 No Sweat First Bet, which means if your first bet loses, you’ll get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets. FanDuel is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer service.
The Men’s Basketball Tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from July 27 to August 10, 2024. The preliminary rounds will be held at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, while the final phase will be staged at the Accor Arena in Paris. This event will feature 12 teams competing for the gold medal, including favorites like the USA, Canada, France, Serbia, and Greece.
