Men's Olympic Basketball Nigeria vs Germany Predictions, Odds, Picks

• Nigeria look to bounce back after being blown out in their opening match.
• Germany look to build off of a promising, but ultimately unsuccessful, opening game loss.
• Nigeria open as -210 favorites against Germany.

Nigeria vs Germany Odds

Men’s Olympic Basketball Nigeria vs Germany Picks

It’s an offensive versus defensive battle when Nigeria and Germany face off.

Nigeria’s athleticism is threatening, but they are yet to show that their shooting can threaten from range. However, their defensive potential should be enough to close down the threat of Germany’s perimeter attackers.

Picks:

Nigeria def. Germany (-210)

Total Under 165.5 (-118)

How to Watch Nigeria vs Germany

Head-to-Head: Nigeria vs Germany

NRA: Play To Your Strengths

The Nigerian side had a tall task ahead of them when they faced Australia in the first game of their Olympic campaign. They came up short, falling right into Australia’s defensive gameplan.

D’Tigers shot just 39.3% from the field in their first game against Australia, while also struggling from three where they converted on just seven of their 24 attempts.

Nigeria’s strength lies in their ability to get to the rim and attract defenders to create open opportunities. If they can play with pace and force the Germans to chase them, Nigeria can earn their first win.

Nigeria Key Player: (G) Obi Emegano

Roster is officially set! Extremely blessed to be a part of this 12 man roster. We have worked our a**es off up until this point, but this is just the beginning. Tokyo 2021 naija no dey carry last pic.twitter.com/wb5kW8YQSh

— OB1 (@obiemegano) July 19, 2021

On a Nigerian roster that boasts more NBA players than it has ever had, it was a lesser-known veteran of international play that starred for D’Tigers. Shooting guard Obi Emegano, who plays for Montakit Fuenlabrada in Spain, was the only player who was really able to find his offense.

In his first game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics against Australia, Emegano posted 12 points, two assists, and one steal on four of seven shooting from the field.

Emegano was a surprise star for D’Tigers in their first game, but they still came up short. His three three-point field goals buoyed Nigeria’s struggling offense, something that he’ll need to maintain when they face Germany.

GER: Tighten Up On Defence

The German National team has size in the paint, but they need to be more organized on the defensive side if they hope to get their first win against Nigeria.

In their first game against Italy, the Germans allowed their opponents to shoot 50% from the field and hit 15 of 31 three-pointers. With their size usually aiding them, Germany were unable to close out on the Italian shooters.

When they face Nigeria, Germany will meet a team that has been struggling with its three-point shooting. If they hope to win, the Germans can’t allow their opponents to find their rhythm and get easy looks from range.

Germany Key Player: (G) Maodo Lo

Maodo Lo was superb for Germany ?

2️⃣4️⃣ points
6️⃣/9️⃣ 3-points
4️⃣ rebounds
4️⃣ assists
2️⃣6️⃣ efficiency#Tokyo2020 | #Basketball pic.twitter.com/8Tf8dBSUIl

— FIBA #Tokyo2020 (@FIBA) July 25, 2021

Germany opened against a tough Italian team in their first game. While they were unable to find their first win, ALBA Berlin guard Maodo Lo showed off his scoring ability.

Lo was a stellar nine of 12 from the field, hitting six three-pointers on the evening. He finished the night with 24 points and four assists, despite the loss.

The 28-year-old guard is probably Germany’s best offensive option from the perimeter, but he’ll need to overcome Nigeria’s pool of wing defenders in this game. Don’t be surprised if he focuses on his playmaking more this time out.