Sports Reporter | Capper
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There have been a few close calls over the last month or so, but as we enter the quarterfinal stage of the men's basketball competition at the Olympics the United States have made a perfect 3-0 start in Paris.
Team USA will begin its march to the gold medal match against a Brazil team which has won just one game during the group stage, but played impressive basketball throughout and possesses some qualities which could pose some problems for the Americans.
Will the United States run away with this one as oddsmakers predict, or might we be treated to a closer and more watchable contest?
Let's get right into the best way to bet on USA vs Brazil in the 2024 Paris Olympics quarterfinals on Tuesday, Aug 5.
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Olympic Matchups:
Last Meeting:
The United States were out-rebounded in a win over South Sudan, surrendering 11 of 35 rebounds on the offensive glass. They'd go on to allow another 12 offensive rebounds against Puerto Rico, despite gaining an overall edge on the glass.
This is a clear weakness of the United States, and Tuesday is going to be a similarly-difficult matchup down low for the favorites against a Brazilian team pulling down 38.7 rebounds per game to rank fifth of 12 nations at the Olympics and 13 offensive boards per game to rank second.
Brazil has been shooting the lights out from deep at this tournament which should put Team USA further to the test, considering they've survived off the back of their 3-point defense but haven't faced a team that has been able to match what the underdogs here, shooting 45.3%, have been able to do.
There's surely some regression to the mean headed Brazil's way, but this is a team which has played stunning defense inside against some solid teams like Japan, Germany and France and put a real scare into the host nation in their opening match before the French pulled away in the third quarter.
Brazil can score, and it can rebound -- particularly on the offensive glass -- which should make this one a somewhat tricky test for the Americans. That, in chorus with a step up in competition that could take some getting used to, leads me to believe this one should be close to begin the game.
Best Bet: Brazil First Half +15.5 (-115 at DraftKings)
The story at these Olympics for the Americans has been the way that they've shared the ball. The bench has done a lot of the heavy lifting, and a different player has led the way in the scoring column in each game.
With that, it's time we look to LeBron James to create offense for the many capable players on this team and bet on his assists.
James has averaged more than seven assists per game at these Olympics, and in the past two contests as he took a back seat in shooting the ball against Puerto Rico he tallied eight helpers in the win.
I expect Team USA to continue relying upon its sharing of the basketball to keep the offense going in what should be something of a shootout, and James should be the man to get the ball into the hands of open shooters around the perimeter as the favorites look to avoid the paint where Brazil can play fine defense.
Best Bet: LeBron James Over 6.5 Assists (+105 at DraftKings)
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