The 2024 Olympics are just around the corner, and basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the action on the court. As the draw and field of teams were finalized on Sunday, one thing is clear: the United States is the team to beat in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
The road to Olympic gold begins
The U.S. men’s team is loaded with talent, featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Joel Embiid. It’s no surprise they’re favored to win gold with -400 odds on BetMGM. The American women’s team is equally stacked, with Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Diana Taurasi leading the charge. Taurasi will make history as the first basketball player to compete in six Olympics, and this will likely be her last hurrah on the Olympic stage.
“The Americans are bringing an NBA team, and likely one that would be good enough to make the playoffs, to the Olympics.” - On Canada’s chances against the U.S.
Canada is viewed as the top competition for the Americans, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray leading the way. RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and Luguentz Dort all averaged double figures in the NBA this past season, making Canada a formidable opponent. However, they’ll face stiff competition in their group, which includes Australia, Greece, and Spain.
Giannis leads Greece’s charge
Greece, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, eliminated both Luka Dončić’s Slovenia and Ivica Zubac’s Croatia in the qualifying tournament. They won’t be an easy out, especially with one of the best big men on the planet on their squad.
The U.S. men’s team is grouped with Serbia, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan. Serbia features reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, making them a dark horse in the tournament.
On the women’s side, the U.S. is an overwhelming favorite to win gold, with -1400 odds. Belgium and China are the nearest contenders, but they’re long shots at +2000. China was the runner-up at the World Cup two years ago, and the Americans won that final by 22 points.
Lauren Jackson leads Australia’s charge
Three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson is making her fifth appearance at the Olympics as part of an Australian squad that features several WNBA players. Canada features former WNBA All-Star Kia Nurse and rookie Aaliyah Edwards, who is fresh off helping UConn to another Final Four.
If you’re looking for an American basketball team with plus-odds, look to the 3x3 tournaments. The U.S. women are favorites, but only with +180 odds. The U.S. men (+200) are not even favored in 3x3, coming second in the odds to Serbia (+180).
The Olympics are always a thrilling spectacle, and this year’s basketball tournament promises to be no exception. Will the U.S. dominate as expected, or will another team pull off a stunning upset?
