The Japan vs. Belgium Women’s Olympics Basketball matchup will tip-off at 5:00 a.m. ET on Sunday morning. With Belgium listed as an 8.5-point favorite and the total sitting at 144.5, what’s the smart bet in Sunday’s clash?
Japan vs. Belgium Betting Odds
As previously mentioned, Belgium is an 8.5-point favorite to knock off Japan according to Fanduel Sportsbook. The total, meanwhile, sits at 144.5, with the over juiced to -115. As for the moneylines, Belgium is -375 and Japan is +285.
Team Overview
Japan:
- Style of Play: Japan is known for their quick, agile, and disciplined style of play. They rely heavily on perimeter shooting, quick ball movement, and aggressive defense.
- Key Players:
- Rui Machida: A dynamic point guard known for her playmaking and court vision.
- Yuki Miyazawa: A sharp shooter who can stretch the floor with her three-point shooting.
- Himawari Akaho: Provides versatility with her ability to play both inside and outside.
- Strengths: Three-point shooting, speed, and teamwork.
- Weaknesses: Size and physicality, which can be a disadvantage against taller and more physical teams.
Belgium:
- Style of Play: Belgium plays a balanced game with a strong inside presence and capable perimeter shooters. They emphasize both offense and defense, playing a well-rounded game.
- Key Players:
- Emma Meesseman: One of the best forwards in the world, known for her scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills.
- Julie Allemand: A skilled guard who can distribute the ball and score effectively.
- Kim Mestdagh: A reliable scorer and experienced player who can hit big shots.
- Strengths: Versatility, experience, and inside-outside balance.
- Weaknesses: Depth can sometimes be an issue, relying heavily on their star players.
Japan vs. Belgium Key Matchups
- Perimeter Battle: Japan’s three-point shooting vs. Belgium’s perimeter defense. Japan will look to create open shots from beyond the arc, while Belgium will need to close out and contest these shots effectively.
- Inside Presence: Emma Meesseman vs. Japan’s interior defense. Meesseman will be a key player for Belgium, and Japan will need to find ways to contain her scoring and rebounding.
- Pace of Play: Japan’s speed vs. Belgium’s control. Japan will aim to push the tempo and play fast, while Belgium might look to control the pace and play a more measured game.
Japan vs. Belgium Strategies
Japan:
- Push the pace and capitalize on fast breaks.
- Utilize their three-point shooting to stretch Belgium’s defense.
- Play aggressive defense to force turnovers and create scoring opportunities.
Belgium:
- Dominate the paint with Meesseman and take advantage of their size.
- Control the tempo to prevent Japan from getting into a fast-paced rhythm.
- Use their experience to manage the game and make smart decisions under pressure.
Japan vs. Belgium Prediction
This game is likely to be a close contest. If Japan can hit their three-pointers consistently and force Belgium into playing a faster game, they have a good chance of winning. However, if Belgium can leverage their size advantage and control the pace, they might come out on top. Expect a high-energy game with a lot of strategic adjustments from both teams.
Both teams have unique strengths and will look to exploit the other’s weaknesses. The outcome will depend heavily on which team can impose their style of play and execute their game plan more effectively.
Japan vs. Belgium Prediction: Japan +8.5