United States vs. France Men’s Basketball: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

United States and France meet in the final of the Olympic Men's Basketball tournament, a repeat of the final of three years ago in Tokyo which the USA edged 87-82.

This time around, the French team Victor Wembanyama as well as home-court advantage, but Team USA has a much stronger and deeper roster than it did in Tokyo.

United States vs. France betting picks and predictions

Over 176.5 total (-110)

France and United States meet in the Olympic final, a repeat of the showpiece of three years ago in Tokyo which the Americans won 87-82.

But while there were 169 points scored in that final, three years down the line expect far more points with the first play for this game is for the combined score to go Over the 176.5 total points line.

The five-peat chasing US have been scoring points for fun throughout the tournament and will have to maintain that trend against the 16-point underdog hosts, who will have the crowd on their side and Wembanyama leading the team with an authority beyond his years.

France's shooting stats aren't the best, of that there is no doubt, and they certainly needed Germany to have an off-night - Dennis Schroder shot 6/18 from the floor - in their semifinal which the home team edged 73-69.

The French are also unsure over their starting five having decided to bench Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert against Canada and the Germans.

And while Timberwolves center Gobert might not be the force he was, especially as he battles a finger injury, does coach Vincent Collet really take a punt against Steph Curry and the rest without the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

The US are averaging 106 points per game. Only once have they dipped under three figures which was during their gripping come-from-behind triumph over a high-class Serbia in the semis.

France needs far more shooting accuracy from Wembanyama, Cordinier and others and to improve their output to ensure the points bet comes in.

Mathias Lessort - Over 7.5 points (+105)

These are happy times for Mathias Lessort, the giant French star who has just come off the back of helping Panathinaikos land EuroLeague glory.

Lessort scored 17 points and six rebounds in that final success against Real Madrid and has taken that form into the Olympics.

He has been used off the bench, but was introduced early against Germany after a sluggish start and his physicality will be critical if the French are to match up to Team USA.

Lessort is averaging 7.6 points in 14 minutes per game but against Germany, he played 17 minutes and responded with 10 points. He can expect similar court time against LeBron and co. and should clear 7.5 points.

LeBron James - Over 7.5 rebounds (+105)

It's the legend's Olympic swansong and be sure that LeBron James will be the headline news coming out of the final.

The 39-year-old two-time gold medallist has been inspirational throughout this competition culminating in an outrageous triple-double as Team USA came from way off the pace to see off the Serbs in the semi-finals.

James had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and he looks like a man who just doesn't want this journey to end.

James will be kept busy by France but given the home side's shooting profligacy he should also get the opportunity to pull down a fair few more boards.

Another triple double in the final? The script says it, doesn't it? We think he'll snatch at least eight rebounds, surely.

United States vs. France odds

United States	-2200 ML
France	+1100 ML
Spread	USA -16.0
Total Points	O/U 176.5

United States vs. France player props

Player Points

Nicolas Batum (France)	O/U 7.5
Mathias Lessort (France)	O/U 7.5
Victor Wembanyama (France)	O/U 16.5
Steph Curry (United States)	O/U 14.5
Kevin Durant (United States)	O/U 13.5
LeBron James (United States)	O/U 14.5

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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.