Stadium: Saitama Super Arena.
The Spanish team started the Olympic tournament with a victory over Japan. Their next opponent is tougher. Argentina got off to a flying start with a defeat against Luka Doncic, so they will also be incredibly motivated. Will the Spaniards be able to win to secure a playoff spot? We’ll pick a few options to bet on at once.
Spain get warmed up on the underdog
The Spanish squad looks slightly less star-studded than the American Dream Team. Ricky Rubio, the Gasol brothers, Euroleague stars Sergio Rodriguez, Sergio Jule and Rudy Fernandez. The Spaniards are the reigning world champions and won’t let anyone take the Olympic gold without a fight.
The Spanish team’s opening game did not bring any surprises. All the more so, since the Japanese were just a comfortable 11 points ahead, 88-77. Ricky Rubio, last year’s World Cup MVP, was the most productive player, with 20 points and 9 assists.
Argentina will have difficulties
Argentina, winners of the last World Cup, played their first game against Slovenia. The game against Luka Doncic’s side was a super-scoring affair. 100-118 - the shootout was successful, but the Argentines could not stop the excellent Luka. The phenomenon scored 48 points, destroying yet another opponent.
As for the Argentines, Luis Scola scored the most. In just 27 minutes on the floor, the veteran reached the 23-point mark. Facundo Campazzo scored 21 points and Gabriel Deck - 17.
Expert Betting Tips
Luis Scola’s performance against Slovenia was a telling indicator of the state of Argentina’s national team today. If the 41-year veteran and the 2004 Olympics champion has to spend so much time on the court while becoming the best coach in the tournament, the Argentines have little to prepare for this year’s tournament. The Spaniards are unlikely to have any problems.
Betting options:
- Spain to win with a handicap (-8.0) for 1.88;
- Spain’s Individual Total Over 85.5 for 1.77;
- Spain to win and Total Over 105.5 for 2.50.