The quarterfinals of the men's basketball tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympics are inching closer with the preliminary round nearing an end. But before we get to that point, group play will still be in full force with four games on deck for Friday. Set your alarms because Japan and Brazil will be going at it in a 5 a.m. ET tip for Group B as Group A will follow at 7:30 a.m. ET with Australia facing off against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
But don't pack it up just yet because RJ Barrett will try to guide Canada to a win as they meet Spain at 11:15 a.m. ET and last, but certainly not least France will have their hands full with a test against Dennis Schroder and the German team at 3 p.m. ET. The summer games are a crucial event for these teams, showcasing their talents on the Olympic stage and the pressure is on.
Our experts left no game untouched for Friday when it comes to their best bets. Let's see what they have in store for Friday, August 2.
Men's Olympics Basketball Picks, Best Bets | Friday, August 2
| Time (ET) | Men's Basketball Preliminary Round Best Bets |
|---|---|
| 5 a.m. | |
| 5 a.m. | |
| 7:30 a.m. | |
| 7:30 a.m. | |
| 11:15 a.m. | |
| 3 p.m. |
France vs. Germany — 3 p.m. ET (Group B)
Dennis Schroder Over 17.5 Points
By Joe Dellera
Dennis Schroder has excelled as the head of the snake for Germany’s Offense. He should continue to do so against France’s double big rotation.
France is strong on the interior with both Wemby and Gobert which sets this up to be a bit tougher matchup for Franz Wagner. However, they suffer with their perimeter defense without having elite talent at the guard position.
Schroder has now played 28 and 32 minutes in the Olympics and averaged 16.5 points; however, over his last 3 international competitions, he has averaged 20.2 points across 18 games while exceeding 17.5 in 11/18.
Schroder is playing 30 minutes a game and in a matchup with the potential to win the group, I expect Schroder to show out and exceed 17.5 points.
Pick: Dennis Schroder Over 17.5 Points (DraftKings)
Previous Olympics Picks for Earlier Games on Friday, August 2
Japan vs. Brazil — 5 a.m. ET (Group B)
Brazil -2.5
Is Japan what we saw against Germany, getting stomped by 20, or closer to what we saw in pushing France to overtime? France has been shaky this Olympics and was even in the World Cup, is this who they are currently?
Questions I've all considered, but I just think Brazil is better. Brazil has challenged and won some high profile games in international play as I've mentioned in recent years.
Their toughness and defense keeps them in games and gives them just enough to pull through. I like them in a slugfest.
Pick: Brazil -2.5 (Bet365)
Japan vs. Brazil — 5 a.m. ET (Group B)
Yuki Kawamura over 2.5 Threes
Is Japan what we saw against Germany, getting stomped by 20, or closer to what we saw in pushing France to overtime? France has been shaky this Olympics and was even in the World Cup, is this who they are currently?
Questions I've all considered, but I just think Brazil is better. Brazil has challenged and won some high profile games in international play as I've mentioned in recent years.
Their toughness and defense keeps them in games and gives them just enough to pull through. I like them in a slugfest.
Pick: Yuki Kawamura Over 2.5 Threes (BetMGM)
Australia vs. Greece — 7:30 a.m. ET (Group A)
Australia -4.5
Greece lost by seven points to both Spain and Canada.
They're a good team with an unlucky draw in the group of death.
I only like this to -5.5, even then I'm be nervous, but I thought Australia was good enough to win the group. They showed this against Canada and ultimately lost because of the Canadian defense combined with streaky shooters having good games, like RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks and Lu Dort shooting a collective 7-14 from three.
I just think Australia is better than Greece, and knowing they'll need a win to automatically qualify, they'll look to push themselves here for a better knockout stage draw.
Pick: Australia -4.5 (Bet365)
Australia vs. Greece — 7:30 a.m. ET (Group A)
Jock Landale Over 2.5 Assists
By Joe Dellera
Landale has excelled for Australia in international play. He’s been a top scoring threat for the team but against the sizable interior of Greece I expect his Court IQ to be on display as a passing threat.
Landale has dished out 4 and 5 assists in the Olympics and is 5/6 in every International game in which he’s played 20+ minutes.
Although Landale has been looked at as a scorer for Australia, a significant amount of his scoring has come from second chance opportunities. Here, where he may struggle to find good positioning against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Georgios Papgiannis, I’ll grab him to exceed 2.5 assists and will sprinkle 5+ (+350 DK).
Pick: Jock Landale Over 2.5 Assists (-145) (DraftKings)
Canada vs. Spain — 11:15 a.m. ET (Group A)
RJ Barrett Over 24.5 PR
By Joe Dellera
RJ Barrett has lead team Canada in scoring throughout the Olympics and has also been effectively cleaning the glass on a nightly basis.
Barrett brings a level of power and athleticism to the team that is incredibly valuable but especially in this spot against Team Spain. Spain is relying on some older and less explosive talent and Barrett’s ability to get downhill will be invaluable in this game.
Barrett has nearly gone over this line with points alone in both Olympic Games and is averaging 23.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
I’ll grab the former Knick to exceed 24.5 PR.
Pick: RJ Barrett Over 24.5 PR (DraftKings)
