The men’s basketball group stage continues on Friday as France battles Germany. The hosts look to defend their turf as we share our Olympics odds series and make a France-Germany prediction and pick.
France overcame Japan 94-90 in an exceptional overtime win. Initially, they led 32-25 after the first quarter and led 49-44 at halftime. France trailed 84-80 in the latter stages of the game when Matthew Strazel hit a three-pointer while drawing a feud. Then, they hit the free throw and forced overtime. The French took control in the extra session and won the game.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists while shooting 6 for 13, including 3 for 5 from the triples. Meanwhile, Evan Fournier added 14 points despite shooting 5 for 18. Strazel finished with 17 points off the bench. Likewise, Guerschon Yabusele had 13 points while shooting 5 for 10.
France shot 42.5 percent from the field, including 40.5 percent from beyond the arc. Also, they won the board battle 49-41. The French overcame 12 turnovers.
Germany defeated Brazil 86-73 in their matchup. Initially, Germany led 22-10 after one quarter but allowed Brazil to rally to tie it at 40 when halftime rolled around. The Germans pulled away in the second half to secure the victory.
Dennis Schroeder led Germany with 20 points while shooting 7 for 13, including 4 for 9 from beyond the arc. Likewise, Franz Wagner had 17 points while shooting 7 for 15 but missed all six shots from beyond the arc. Andreas Obst had 14 points while shooting 4 for 9. Also, Isaac Bonga had 15 points while shooting 6 for 8, including 3 for 4 from the three-point line.
Germany shot 50 percent from the field, including 31.3 prevent from the triples. Furthermore, they won despite losing the board battle 35-32. The Germans also forced 20 turnovers thanks in part to seven steals.
Here are the 2024 Olympics Men’s basketball odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2024 Olympics Odds: France-Germany Basketball Odds
France: +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +136
Germany: -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: -168
Over: 162.5 (-110)
Under: 162.5 (-110)
How to Watch France vs. Germany
Time: 3 PM ET/Noon PT
TV: Peacock
Stream: (Click Here for Free Trial)
Why France Will Cover the Spread/Win
France was one of the media darlings coming into the Olympic games. Ultimately, they are attempting to make it back to the gold medal game and finish the story they could not in the last Olympic games.
Wembanyama is the critical factor here. Amazingly, his long wingspan and ability to maneuver around the basket make him the ideal threat. Wembanyama has helped France clear the boards and given them second chances while also protecting the rim on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Fournier has emerged despite not being a usual threat in the association. Strazel was the hero against Japan after drawing the foul and converting the game-tying free throw.
France won the board battle and looks to have the advantage again. However, they struggled with turnovers in their last game and must avoid sloppy plays.
France will cover the spread if Wembanyama can continue his dominance on the boards and rim. Additionally, they need to play smarter basketball and improve ball-handling skills to avoid giving Germany too many chances.
Why Germany Will Cover the Spread/Win
Germany has put up a fight in these Olympic games and looks to continue its momentum. Surprisingly, the country came in as the favorite in this one despite France initially being the stronger team on paper.
Schroeder is their strongest player and has been one of the main reasons for the German success. Now, he hopes to keep the momentum going and convert his shooting attempts. Wagner has been good. However, he also went 0 for 6 from the three-point line and needs to do a better job of hitting his shots from beyond the arc. Obst was solid all around and will continue to be an important piece for the Germans.
Germany must do a better job on the boards. Sadly, they struggled in this aspect against Brazil. Despite having some sharpshooters, they don’t have a player who can dominate the boards. Thus, everyone needs to step up to try to prevent Wembanyama from completely dominating the boards.
Germany will cover the spread if it can continue shooting the ball efficiently. Then, they must find a way to overcome Wembanyama at the rim and win the board battle.
Final France-Germany Prediction & Pick
This will probably be the best battle of the men’s basketball games. Germany has been playing well and centers itself as the favorite in this one. But France still has one of the best young talents in the game. Consequently, Wembanyana is exactly the player many believed he would be when he entered the NBA and in these Olympic games. We expect him to lead France on his back and carry them in this game as they cover the spread.
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Final France-Germany Prediction & Pick: France +3.5 (-110)
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