Rio 2016 Olympics: Men's Basketball Betting Preview

Rio 2016 Olympics: Men's Basketball Betting Preview
By Covers.com

As it has for the past quarter-century, the Olympic men’s basketball tournament boils down to the U.S. vs. the world - and the Americans once again have a significant pre-tournament advantage.

The powerhouse U.S. team rolled to the 2012 final in London, then held off a furious charge by the Spaniards for its second consecutive gold medal. Four years later, the gap between the Americans and the rest of the world may have grown even wider.

Oddsmakers certainly believe that’s the case, having made the U.S. team a whopping -2,000 favorite - well up from the -700 play the Americans were going into the 2012 Games. And when you take a look at the roster, it’s clear why the U.S. side has an overwhelming edge.

The team is led by new Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant, who is joined by teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Star power abounds, with Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Toronto Raptors teammates Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes, Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George and Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan round out the 12-man roster.

Does any team have a shot at upsetting the two-time Olympic champions? Here’s a look at the top contenders:

2016-17 NBA rookies not included in NBA player tally

Spain

Odds to win the gold: +1,100
Odds to medal: -150
Number of current or former NBA players: 8

The two-time defending silver medallist, no team has a better chance at making history in Rio than a Spanish side boasting a terrific mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy. Pau Gasol is the lynch pin of the offence, while Ricky Rubio should make things difficult for foes in the backcourt.

The key for Spain will be its production from the swing positions, where Rudy Fernandez and Juan Carlos Ferraro are the expected starters. Both players had brief careers in the NBA, but could be in tough against teams with more skill and experience at those positions.

France

Odds to win the gold: +1,700
Odds to medal: +110
Number of current or former NBA players: 7

The French needed to win an Olympic qualifying event this summer to book their ticket to Rio, but is in great shape to reach the medal round thanks to a three-headed NBA attack. Veteran point guard Tony Parker, center Rudy Gobert and forward Nicolas Batum give this roster legitimacy and star power.

The most important role on the team, however, may belong to Boris Diaw, who brings leadership and winning pedigree. His game is suited to international competition, and he’ll need to be at his best, given that his backups - Florent Piteous and Kim Tillie - won’t be able to handle skilled power forwards.

Serbia

Odds to win the gold: +2,500
Odds to medal: +150
Number of current or former NBA players: 3

The Serbians haven’t medaled at the Olympics in 20 years, but are in their strongest position to do so since recording a second-place finish at the 1996 Olympic tournament in Atlanta.

Serbia’s frontcourt is the major strength, with former NBA player Miroslav Raduljica joined by Denver Nuggets phenom Nikola Jokic. Sacramento Kings prospect Bogdan Bogdanovic anchors a young but potentially explosive backcourt.

Brazil

Odds to win the gold: +3,000
Odds to medal: +350
Number of current or former NBA players: 6

The home side will be making its 16th Olympic appearance, and is looking at securing its first medal since claiming bronze at the 1964 Games in Tokyo. A fifth-place finish at the 2012 event in London should have confidence high.

Though the Brazilians are light on NBA experience, they do have Leandro Barbosa anchoring the backcourt and Nene Hilario leading the big men. A well-balanced roster combined with home-court advantage should help.

Lithuania

Odds to win the gold: +3,300
Odds to medal: +400
Number of current or former NBA players: 1

The Lithuanians are riding high following a second-place performance at the 2015 EuroBasket tournament, and enter the Olympic tournament behind only the United States and Spain in the FIBA World Ranking.

While the team is light on NBA experience - center Jonas Valanciunas is the only player on the roster who has appeared in a game - the team is tight-knit, and features four regulars from Lithuanian league powerhouse BC Zalgiris.

Argentina

Odds to win the gold: +4,000
Odds to medal: +500
Number of current or former NBA players: 6

Argentina is the last team to win an Olympic title other than the U.S., and enters this tournament ranked fourth in the world. The Argentinians are well-positioned to challenge for a medal after placing fourth in 2012.

Legendary shooting guard Manu Ginobili and power forward Luis Scola form the core of this team, which includes former NBA role players Carlos Delfina and Andres Nocioni. But the loss of Tiago Splitter to a hip injury hurts a lot.

Croatia

Odds to win the gold: +5,000
Odds to medal: +700
Number of current or former NBA players: 2

Rio marks just the third Olympic appearance for the Croatian side, which won silver in 1992 but hasn’t finished any higher than sixth since. But with two solid NBA players on the roster, Croatia could be primed to make some noise.

Shooting is this team’s forte, with NBA players Bojan Bogdanovic and Mario Hezonja both capable of filling the net. Highly touted power forward Dario Saric and former NBA guard Roko Ukic should provide solid support.