2020 Olympics: United States vs. Australia Preview, Best Bets
Which side will move onto the gold medal game?
Reed Wallach - Aug 4, 2021, 11:28am EDT
A spot in the gold medal game is on the line when the United States takes on Australia in the 2020 Olympics semifinals.
This is a rematch from the exhibition matchup last month, a 91-83 upset victory for the Boomers.
Who has the edge on Thursday morning?
When: 12:15 AM
Where: Saitama Arena, Tokyo, Japan
Watch: Peacock
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Check out the Best Sportsbook Offers from Your State
USA (-12, 182) vs. Australia
Both teams played their quarterfinal opponents close early, but used big runs to pull away and win comfortably.
Kevin Durant went for a game high 29 points, scoring 13 points during the 36-10 run that broke the game open as the U.S. side beat Spain, 95-81.
As for the Australians, they trailed after the first quarter to Argentina before locking down on defense, allowing 37 points over the final 30 minutes en route to a 97-59 victory.
Led by Patty Mills, who is averaging nearly 21 points per game, Australia has had a great mix of offensive firepower with defensive prowess, anchored by wing defender Matisse Thybulle.
DraftKings Odds Boost: Bet Kevin Durant to score 25+ and USA to win, boosted from +102 to +120!
However, Jrue Holiday’s impact continues to be huge for the American side on the defensive end.
Since joining the starting lineup over the past three games, the United State’s D has been much better, allowing 77 points per game. The Bucks point guard will take the Mills assignment and force the ball out of his hands.
While there were concerns early about Team USA after losses to the likes of Nigeria and France in addition to Australia, they have washed away all concerns with Durant and Jayson Tatum starting to find their rhythm on offense.
The two wings have taken turns dismantling opposing defenses, with Tatum scoring a game high 27 in the final group stage win against Czech Republic.
Yes, Australia scored the friendly victory over the U.S. but this team is rolling at the moment and seem primed to end up with the gold.
I don’t see much edge in the spread, but I do lean with the under. While both offense’s have been strong, I see the addition of Holiday slowing down the Boomers best offensive threat in Mills, and the score playing out similar to the friendly total, which finished with 174 points.
These are the two most well rounded teams in the field, but their offensive explosions in the prior games inflating this total.
The American’s were tied at half with Spain before pulling away, so a look towards Australia first half at +6.5 is a smart bet as well with the pace tightening in a high stakes matchup.
Pick: Under 182
Stories you might also like
See All
