The France vs. USA Women’s Olympics Basketball matchup at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday will determine which team earns a gold medal. With the USA listed as heavy favorites and the total in the mid-150s, what’s the best bet on the board?
France vs. USA Betting Odds
According to Fanduel Sportsbook, USA is a 15.5-point favorite to beat France on Sunday morning. As for the total, the number currently sits at 156.5.
Team Overviews:
- France:
- France is a formidable team in international women’s basketball, known for their tactical discipline, strong defense, and efficient offense. Key players include Marine Johannès, who excels as a scorer and playmaker, and Sandrine Gruda, a veteran presence in the paint. France typically emphasizes ball movement and team-oriented play, relying on their depth and versatility. Defensively, they are strong, particularly in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities inside the paint and contesting perimeter shots.
- USA:
- The USA women’s basketball team is a perennial powerhouse, stacked with talent across all positions. Led by superstars like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Jewell Loyd, the USA team combines elite athleticism, skill, and experience. The team’s depth is unmatched, allowing them to maintain a high level of play throughout the game. Offensively, they can score in a variety of ways—whether through dominant post play, shooting from the outside, or in transition. Defensively, they are aggressive and capable of disrupting their opponents’ rhythm with pressure defense and shot-blocking.
Key Matchups:
- Sandrine Gruda vs. A’ja Wilson:
- This matchup will be crucial in the paint, where Gruda’s experience and scoring ability will be tested against Wilson’s athleticism and defensive prowess. Both players are central to their team’s success, and their performance could sway the game.
- Marine Johannès vs. Jewell Loyd:
- Johannès’ ability to create offense and shoot from distance will be key for France, but she’ll face a tough challenge against Loyd, who is not only a prolific scorer but also a strong defender. This battle on the perimeter will be critical in determining which team controls the flow of the game.
Game Dynamics:
- France’s Strategy:
- France will likely focus on slowing the game down and executing their half-court offense to keep the USA from getting out in transition. Defensively, they’ll aim to pack the paint and force the USA to beat them from the outside, while also trying to contain the American guards and limit their penetration.
- USA’s Strategy:
- The USA will look to impose their will early, using their athleticism to push the pace and create easy scoring opportunities in transition. They’ll also aim to dominate the boards and use their depth to wear down France over the course of the game. On defense, they’ll focus on disrupting France’s ball movement and preventing Johannès from getting into a rhythm.
France vs. USA Prediction:
USA is the clear favorite in this matchup due to their overwhelming talent and depth. However, France has the potential to challenge them if they can execute their game plan, particularly on the defensive end. The key for France will be to keep the game close and capitalize on any mistakes by the USA, but the Americans’ firepower and experience are likely to lead them to victory. With how Team USA has scored throughout the Olympics, I’m taking their team total over on Sunday morning.
France vs. USA Women’s Olympics Prediction: USA over 85.5 Points
