Canada vs Australia Prediction, Picks, Odds, News, Injury Report 7/30/24

After wins in their opening games, Canada and Australia meet in Lille on Tuesday afternoon. Victory for either team would guarantee their spot in the knockout phase – bookies are making the Canadians 5.5-point favourites. As we weigh up a Canada vs Australia prediction, there’s plenty to consider beyond the talent of the respective rosters.

Australia have reached the semis at the last two Olympics. Canada are competing in men’s Olympic basketball for the first time since 2000, but they are one of the medal favourites with a strong NBA-proven core around star man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

With Olympic basketball getting underway, our Expert Insights are stacked with basketball betting tips. Expert Sam Cox will have his best bets throughout the regular season.

Canada vs Australia Prediction and Picks: Back Canadians To Cover

• Selection: Canada -5.5
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stakes: 5/10

 Odds updated on July 29th 2024. 

We like the value on Canada to cover this small spread at Tuesday lunchtime. Their combination of wing defence and backcourt shot creation should be too much for this Australia team, despite the defensive prowess the Boomers possess.

The underdogs are asking too much of Jock Landale, even after his impressive showing against Spain. We expect Canada’s perimeter defence to lock down Australia for periods of this game, allowing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray to build a lead at the other end of the floor.

Both teams know topping the group likely means avoiding the USA until the semi-finals or final. The stakes are high for this one.

Canada vs Australia Game Info

• Stadium: Pierre Mauroy Stadium
• Location: Lille, France
• Start time: 12:30pm UK time

Canada News, Injury Report, Schedule: Size Is A Concern

Canada saw off Greece as expected with RJ Barrett surprisingly leading the team in scoring. This is the most talented Canadian roster ever, with 10 of the 12 players playing in the NBA. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an MVP candidate last season, and Jamal Murray is a proven big-game performer.

Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and Lu Dort provide excellent defence on the wings. A lack of size is the primary concern, which was justified with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 34 points in Canada’s opening game. Australia have length on the wings, and the 6’11 Jock Landale will have a big role to play on the interior.

Australia News, Injury Report, Schedule: Limited Offensively

Led by 20 points and nine boards from Jock Landale, Australia notched a 12-point win over Spain in their opening game. It was a real statement performance from the Boomers, who are gunning for their second Olympic medal after claiming a bronze in Tokyo.

There’s no question the Aussies are at a talent disadvantage for this matchup. There is offensive upside if Patty Mills gets hot from downtown, but there is a lack of shooting with the inconsistencies of Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Dante Exum, and Joe Ingles.

Canada vs Australia H2H: Mixed Bag

Canada have won the three Olympic matchups with Australia. Australia recorded a 16-point victory over the Canadians in the FIBA World Cup five years ago, however, and has four wins in the last five games, including two wins in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Their most recent meeting had 200 total points, which is 20.5 points above the line for Tuesday’s contest in Lille.

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