Men's Olympic Basketball USA vs Australia Predictions, Odds, Picks

• After a difficult quarter-final against Spain, the USA must regroup against a difficult to manage Australia side.
• The Boomers overcame Argentina in their last round, but are still struggling with the loss of starting center Aron Baynes.
• The United States opens as heavy favorites against The Boomers.

USA vs Australia Odds

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Men’s Olympic Basketball USA vs Australia Picks

Australia showed their quality in a dominant victory over Argentina. However, the United States showed an improvement on the defensive side of the ball and look like they can shut down Australia’s perimeter attack.

Picks:

USA def. Australia (-700)

Total Over 179.5 (-105)

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How to Watch USA vs Australia

Head-to-Head: USA vs Australia

USA: Execute Early

The United States are the clear favorites in this matchup, but in their quarter-final match with Spain they were feeling the early pressure. To beat the Australians, the USA needs to establish their gameplan early.

The American’s play a rather simple drive-and-kick offence, mixed in with a high-tempo running game. It should be effective against the Australians, but the American’s complacency in their last game saw them trail after the first quarter.

Australia don’t have their strongest squad, but it will be up to playmakers Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard to force the issue. If they can’t settle into their gameplan, the Americans could experience another massive upset.

USA Key Player: (F) Kevin Durant

The United States are back in their groove and a large part of their success is the result of Kevin Durant taking on a larger role on the offensive side of the court.

In the USA’s quarter-final matchup against Spain, Durant was unstoppable on offence. He scored 29 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the field, while also hitting six three-pointers.

There isn’t a non-American that can matchup with Durant on the defensive side of the court. If he can find his offence early, like he did against Spain, Durant can single-handedly put the Australians away early.

AUS: Compete From Three-Point Range

The United States are a difficult team to compete with on either end of the court. However for Australia to remain in the race for Olympic Gold, they need to rely on their sharpshooters to keep them in the game.

Australia were dealt a massive blow when they lost Aron Baynes due to injury, but they made up for his interior presence with their perimeter attack. Against Argentina, Australia were hyper-efficient from three, shooting 10 of 14 from range on the night.

Combined with some of their defensive pieces, the Boomers have a chance to upset the Americans. How well they shoot the ball will determine the result.

Australia Key Player: (F) Joe Ingles

A gritty defender and a versatile offensive player, the pressure is on for Ingles to produce against the Americans. He’s not an offence-first type of player, but his ability to create can make a big difference.

In Australia’s blowout victory against Argentina, Ingles posted 11 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, earning a +29 net rating on the evening.

Ingles will have his fair share of responsibilities against the Americans, but he’s very capable. If he can improve on his own offensive efficiency, the Australians have a chance at performing the upset.