United States and Australia meet in the Olympics for the ninth time in this year's semifinals, with the Americans undefeated through the previous eight contests.
The USA has knocked the Australians out of the Olympics six times since 1996 and this semifinal pits A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart against a scrappy Aussie side that recovered from a tournament-opening loss to Nigeria.
United States vs. Australia Women's Basketball betting picks and predictions
Team Australia +17.5 (-115)
The Americans are working towards their eighth straight gold medal and have looked like deserving favorites to date, winning their first four contests by an average of 18 points.
Australia has just two players - Sami Whitcomb (14.8 points per game) and Alanna Smith (12.3 ppg) - averaging in double figures after four games.
However, the team has gotten stronger as the tournament has progressed. They defeated France 79-72 to close out the group stage, before handling Serbia 85-67 in the quarterfinals.
The two sides have a long Olympic history, facing each other in three straight gold medal contests between 2000-2008. USA has won each of these eight previous Olympics contests by double figures and this should be no different.
Look for Team USA to win this game by double figures to extend its Olympics win streak to 59 games, but look for Team Australia to cover the 17.5-point spread.
Over 161.5 Total Points (-110)
With Team USA expected to take an early sizable lead, the Aussies are expected to attack from the outside to stay within range.
The Americans are averaging 91 points a game and Australia is averaging 74, so expect this to be a close prediction, but look for the game to go just over 161.5 points.
A'ja Wilson Over 21.5 points (-115)
Wilson started the tournament with a bang, scoring 24 points in a win over Japan followed by 23 points in Team USA's 87-74 victory over Belgium.
She came back to down to earth with a 14-point showing in a win over Germany in the group stage finale, before scoring 20 against Nigeria.
Wilson is leading the team in scoring at 20.3 per contest, and she should further her MVP form against Australia with a trip to the gold medal game on the line.
Look for Wilson to score Over 21.5 points against Australia.
United States vs. Australia odds
United States | -4000 ML |
Australia | +1550 ML |
Spread | USA -17.5 |
Total Points | O/U 161.5 |
United States vs. Australia player props
Player Points
A'ja Wilson (United States) | O/U 21.5 |
Breanna Stewart (United States) | O/U 17.5 |
Jackie Young (United States) | O/U 9.5 |
Sami Whitcomb (Australia) | O/U 13.5 |
Alanna Smith (Australia) | O/U 11.5 |
Ezi Magbegor (Australia) | O/U 10.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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