Canada faces Spain in a battle of two countries looking to make it to the elimination round. It’s time to play some basketball as we share our Olympics odds series, make a Canada-Spain prediction, and pick.
Canada defeated Australia 93-83 in the second game of the group stage match and is 1-1 in the Olympics. They trailed 28-26 after the first quarter and 49-45 at halftime, but they rallied in the second half to snag the victory.
RJ Barrett led the way with 24 points while shooting 8 for 14, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Dillion Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each had 16 points. Jamal Murray came off the bench and scored seven points with five assists. Overall, Canada shot 50.7 percent from the floor, including 36 percent from the triples. The Canadians also held Australia to 47.8 percent from the field, including 32 percent from the three-point line. They also won despite losing the board battle 37-33. Yet, their 11 steals helped generate 18 turnovers.
Spain defeated Greece 84-77 in their last battle in the group stage. At first, they trailed 22-21 after the first quarter but exploded in the second quarter. They held off a comeback attempt in the second half. Significantly, Santi Aldana led the way with 19 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 6 for 14, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc. Juancho Hernangomez had 11 points and seven rebounds. Likewise, Rudy Fernandez added 10 points while going 3 for 6 from the triples.
Spain shot 47.4 percent from the floor, including 48.4 percent from the three-point line. Also, they held Greece to 44.3 percent from the field, including 34.3 percent from the triples. Spain also won the board battle 39-31. Furthermore, they overcame 15 turnovers. Spain blocked six shots on the interior as well.
Here are the 2024 Olympics Men’s basketball odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2024 Olympics Odds: Canada-Spain Basketball Odds
Canada: -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline: -500
Spain: +9.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +360
Over: 168.5 (-110)
Under: 168.5 (-110)
How to Watch Canada vs. Spain in Paris
Time: 11:15 AM ET/8:15 AM PT
TV: CBC
Stream: (Click Here for Free Trial)
Why Canada Will Cover the Spread/Win
Canada is 2-0 right now and looks like one of the countries with the best chances of challenging the United States for the coveted gold medal. Ultimately, they are doing everything right and have a roster loaded with NBA stars who all yearn for the same goal.
Barrett has been exceptional as the scoring leader of the Canadian squad and is poised to lead his team to the promised land. He is averaging 23.5 points per game in two games. Now, he hopes to keep his momentum going and hit more shots. Gilgeous-Alexander has also been very efficient in finding the basket very easily. Ultimately, he is averaging 18.5 points per game.
Canada has also been good despite not winning the board battle. Despite having an assortment of guards who have been able to hit shots, they lack a big man who has been ready to take down the boards. But they have made up for it by stealing the ball a lot.
Canada will cover the spread if Barrett and Gilgeous-Alexander can continue shooting the ball efficiently and convert shooting attempts. Then, they need to find a way to win the board battle and not allow Spain to have second chances.
Why Spain Will Cover the Spread/Win
Spain has been strong in these Olympic games and is looking to take it to the next level. But to do that, they must overcome a Canadian squad that is overpowering.
Aldama has been amazing in these Olympic games. So far, he is averaging 23 points per game. Expect him to continue racking up the baskets and finding his way to the rim. Meanwhile, Hernangomez has been strong and one of the better players on the squad next to Aldama. Fernandez is the sharpshooter off the bench.
Spain was remarkable from beyond the arc in their last game. If they can do it against Canada, they have a chance of winning this game. Winning the boards helped them tremendously. But they need to do a better job of handling the rock.
Spain will cover the spread if Aldama can keep soaring to new heights and Hernangomez keeps producing. Then, they need to stop being sloppy with the basketball and avoid turning the ball over.
Final Canada-Spain Prediction & Pick
Canada is the favorite here. However, they don’t have the high point spread that the United States would likely get. Remember that Canada won by seven and 10 points in their two games. Consequently, they are not the powerhouse despite having an assortment of talent. Spain has played well despite not having much talent on their squad. We expect this game to go down to the wire, with Canada pulling away at the last minute. Spain covers the spread, though.
Click here for more betting news & predictions
Final Canada-Spain Prediction & Pick: Spain: +9.5 (-110)
Follow Us
Subscribe