Men's Olympic Basketball France vs Slovenia Predictions, Odds, Picks

• Slovenia face their biggest test of the tournament when they step on the court for the Semi-Finals!
• France will need to prove that their perimeter defence can keep up with the mastery of Luka Doncic.
• Slovenia open as the favorites in this Semi-Final matchup.

France vs Slovenia Odds

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Men’s Olympic Basketball France vs Slovenia Picks

Two undefeated sides face off when Slovenia and France meet in the Semi-Finals. Luka Doncic has been spectacular, leading Slovenia to consecutive impressive wins. But the difference in quality between France and their past competition is significant, and Les Bleus haven’t put a foot wrong all tournament.

Picks:

France def. Slovenia (+112)

Total Over 172.5 (-135)

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How to Watch France vs Slovenia

Head-to-Head: France vs Slovenia

FRA: Shut Down Slovenia’s Shooting

For all of their talents, France aren’t whom you’d think of first in terms of scoring the ball. Instead, it is their defensive versatility that can truly change a game.

In their quarter-final match against Italy, France started off slow but it was their defence that kept them in the game. They held the Italians to just 32.4% shooting from the field and just 21.2% shooting from three-point range.

France’s willingness to close out on shooters, funnel players to Gobert, and recover was crucial to their success. Slovenia have played a similar game, but work off of the singular efforts of Doncic. If Les Bleus can close down just one of Slovenia’s offensive fronts they should find themselves in the Gold Medal match.

France Key Player: (C) Rudy Gobert

In the most important game of their Olympic schedule, French center Rudy Gobert put on his best performance. Usually just a defensive presence, Gobert made it a point to be dominant on the offensive end as well.

In France’s 84-75 win over Italy Gobert posted 28 points, nine rebounds, and one block on 10 of 13 shooting from the field. His finishing was fantastic, as he was efficient in converting on both post-ups and dump-offs in the paint.

The Slovenians will try to take advantage of Gobert in hopes of finding open shooters, as they’re not interested in challenging him one-on-one at the rim.

SLO: It’s All About the Role Players

There’s no question as to who the difference maker is for Slovenia, it is Luka Doncic. However while he is sure to perform brilliantly, it is the Slovenian role players who must support him if they hope for a victory.

In their 94-70 victory over Germany, Slovenia had five players score eight or more points in support of Doncic’s play. Zoran Dragic led the way with 27 points, but the team as a whole was engaged as they assisted on 19 of their 37 field goals.

Their team effort on offence, as well as on the glass where they collected 40 rebounds against a big German side, could carry Slovenia through France. However, France will be the toughest test that Slovenia has faced all tournament.

Slovenia Key Player: (G-F) Luka Doncic

There is one player to keep an eye on with the Slovenian national team and his name is Luka Doncic. A true star and one of the best basketball players in the world, the 22-year-old looks ready to lead his team to an Olympic medal.

Doncic is averaging 26.3 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists through the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He’s been tremendous through the tournament, even scoring 48 points in his opening match against Argentina.

France are a capable defensive team, but no player on the perimeter can manage Luka Doncic’s abilities. If he can find efficiency in his own attack, on top of creating for others, Slovenia may just pull off the upset.