Nigeria will be fighting for survival in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when it takes on Italy, which is also coming off a loss. Which team will get that important victory in this matchup? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Italy vs Nigeria Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball on July 31, 2021
Where: Saitama Super Arena, Chūō-ku, Saitama, Saitama Prefecture
When: Saturday, July 31, 2021, 12:40 AM ET
Line: Italy (-6) vs. Nigeria (+6) – view all 2021 Summer Olympics lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Betting on the Italy (-6)
Italy is now 1-1 in Group B play The Italians won their first assignment against Germany, 92-82, but fell prey to Australia in the next game, 86-83. The game against the Boomers could have gone either way. That Italy managed to lose by just three games against one of the tournament’s favorites says a lot about the toughness of this team. However, it also exposed Italy’s lack of rebounding prowess, as the team got outrebounded by Australia, 44-30. Australia also had 17 second-chance points to just five by Italy. Italy made up for those with great play from its bench that mustard 41 points — almost doubling Australia’s bench output of 22. Golden State Warriors guard Nico Mannion came off the bench and scored 22 points to go with seven assists. He should continue with that role against Nigeria, whose defense has been problematic so far in the tournament.
Betting on the Nigeria (+6)
Nigeria is desperate to get a win. They are 0-2 after losses to Australia (84-67) and to Germany (99-92). It must be so frustrating for Nigeria that it is where it is right now despite a roster stacked with NBA talents. But the players’ unfamiliarity with each other and lack of cohesion are dooming this otherwise talented and athletic squad. Nigeria leads all teams in the tournament with 21.0 turnovers per game. Against Germany, Nigeria had 18 turnovers. Those errors wanted Nigeria’s excellent shooting. The Nigerians shot 50.7 percent from the field and hit 17 of their 36 shots from deep. So far in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nigeria is making 12.0 threes per game on 40 percent accuracy. The Nigerians have the weapons to survive in a shootout with Italy, which is relying heavily on its outside shooting because of its lack of ceiling.
Writer’s Prediction
Italy wins, 92-81.
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