2020 Olympics: United States vs. Spain Preview, Best Bets

How to bet the quarterfinals between two storied countries

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We have made it out of the group stages of the Olympic Basketball games and we move onto the quarterfinals with Team USA facing Spain. 

The American's have been on a roll over their last two, destroying their lesser opponents, Iran and Czech Republic, winning by a combined 89 points. 

Will they be able to keep it going in the single elimination portion of the Olympics? Let’s find out how the U.S. stack up against their formidable opponent. 

When: 12:40 AM 

Where: Saitama Arena, Tokyo, Japan

Watch: Peacock

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

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USA (-12.5, 179.5) vs. Spain 

These two met in a final tune up ahead of group play, an 83-76 victory for the U.S.

Both teams came in second in their respective groups, with the U.S. losing their opening game to France and Spain coming up short in their final group game against Luka Doncic and Slovenia, who are on the other side of the bracket.

A pair of big issues have developed for Spain, getting crushed on the offensive glass and protecting the ball. They have allowed more than 13 offensive rebounds per game in group play as well averaging 13 turnovers.

This is an American side that has picked up their defense, starting with the arrival of Milwaukee Bucks star guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday has been a menace on the defensive end, and is now in starting lineup for coach Greg Popovich's team.

Against an offense that has as much firepower as USA, Spain needs to minimize the amount of possessions for their opponent, but that might be an issue with Holiday's pesky defense and the USA's offense falling into place around Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard.

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Tatum played his best game of the Olympics in the team’s final group game, scoring a game high 27 points, hitting five three pointers in the process. While it has been a slow progression for the U.S. to figure out their pecking order and build their chemistry, it is clear that their best offensive players are rising to the occasion. 

Now in a rhythm, the United States seem poised to continue on their way. 

However, I’m going to stay away from the spread. Spain can slow this game down and still have veterans that are sure to rise to the occasion and put up a fight. Laying double digits in this type of matchup isn't enticing to me, but I’m going to look to ride the hot hand of Tatum and take his over 14.5 points, available at DK.

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Tatum averaged 12 shots per game in group play despite two of the games being blowouts. In the aforementioned friendly against Spain, he took 10 shots, but struggled from the field making only three and missing all four of his three-point attempts. 

With Tatum in line for around 30 minutes, I see him getting his typical shot distribution and playing more efficiently. The Spanish side is short on wing defenders and both Durant and Tatum should have advantageous opportunities all game. 

However, Durant's points prop is sitting at 20.5, which is too high for my liking in what is a democratic U.S. offense. I see Tatum in line to cruise over this total with even an average game on this low point total.

Pick: Jayson Tatum over 14.5 points

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