Men's Olympic Basketball Spain vs Argentina Predictions, Odds, Picks

• With a win, Spain would almost certainly secure themselves a pass into the next round.
• Argentina need a win if they hope to make the elimination phase of the tournament.
• Spain open as the favorites in their second matchup of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Spain vs Argentina Odds

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Men’s Olympic Basketball Spain vs Argentina Picks

Argentina were routed by Slovenia in their opening match, but their matchup with Spain is much closer. Spain have more quality overall, but the individual matchups for Argentina aren’t as uneven. However, with Spain being a strong defensive side and Argentina struggling with their shooting, it looks like La Roja will still emerge the winner.

Picks:

Spain def. Argentina (-450)

Total Under 165.5 (-113)

How to Watch Spain vs Argentina

Head-to-Head: Spain vs Argentina

ESP: Control the Pace of the Game

Spain played well against Japan in their opening matchup, but they were certainly caught off guard by the athleticism of some of the host nation’s young talent.

Despite eventually winning their opening match 88 to 77, Spain were outscored in the second half of their match against Japan 40 to 49. Inconsistencies from three and an inability to protect the rim aren’t something Spain can afford against Argentina.

Argentina want to play in a way that can take advantage of Spain’s more slow-footed big men, so La Roja need to ensure the pace is in their favor. Ricky Rubio was critical to their success against Japan, and he’ll have even more responsibility against a desperate Argentina squad.

Spain Key Player: (C) Marc Gasol

? Hay cosas que, por mucho que pasen los años, nunca cambian ❤️@MarcGasol ? @paugasol#LaFamilia #SomosEquipo pic.twitter.com/JCbEOgXGXX

— Baloncesto España (@BaloncestoESP) June 28, 2021

Not as famous but just as accomplished as his older brother, Marc Gasol will be a key player in this matchup against Argentina. While he’s versatile on the offensive end, it is his defensive presence that needs to be felt if Spain hope to win this game.

In their opening match against Japan, Gasol posted 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds in just over 19 minutes of play. While his shooting efficiency was lacking, he makes up for it by being an excellent facilitator.

Gasol will likely be tasked with guarding Argentinian legend Luis Scola for the majority of the match. As Scola goes, so does his team. Slowing down the basketball legend will be priority number one for Gasol.

ARG: Find Better Shot Opportunities

Argentina struggled to keep up with the scoring pace in their first match against Slovenia. They opened the game well, but faded as the game wore on. Against a versatile Spanish outfit, Argentina need to find better scoring opportunities.

In their first game Argentina shot 44.6% from the field but just 16.1% from three-point range in 31 attempts. They had 20 assists to their 37 made field-goals, but their struggles from range spelled their doom.

Against a Spanish team that will certainly try to lock down the paint, guards Facundo Campazzo and Luca Vildoza should spend time looking to open up shooters as much as they look for their own shot.

Argentina Key Player: (F) Luis Scola

?? Luis Scola ??

That’s it, that’s the entire tweet.#Tokyo2020 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/OiiVOZ0Ad3

— FIBA #Tokyo2020 (@FIBA) July 22, 2021

Playing in what will likely be his last Olympics, Luis Scola wants to make an impression. In order for Argentina to qualify for the next round, they need to win this matchup against Spain.

Scola is coming off of a classic performance, where he scored 23 points and collected four rebounds. His scoring ability in the paint is one of the best in the world, but he’s likely to want to improve on his three-point shooting where he failed to convert in four attempts.

Spain have a large front line that should give Scola more trouble in the paint than even Slovenia did. He’s capable of finding his baskets, but maintaining efficiency is just as important.