Slovenia and Australia both lost in the semifinals and now find themselves in a collision course, as they each look to salvage a bronze medal. The Australians lost in the bronze medal game back in the 2016 Rio games (89-88) to Spain, but will they be able to lock up the medal this time around? Or, will Slovenia take the bronze home? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Slovenia vs Australia Summer Olympics Men’s Basketball on August 7, 2021
Where: Saitama Super Arena, Chūō-ku, Saitama, Saitama Prefecture
When: Saturday, August 7, 2021, 7:00 AM ET
Line: Slovenia (-2) vs. Australia (+2) – view all 2021 Summer Olympics lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Betting on the Slovenia (-2)
Slovenia nearly had the win in the semis against France, but a late block from Nicolas Batum preserved the victory for the French and handed the Slovenians a gut-wrenching 90-89 loss. Despite the loss, Doncic posted a triple-double of 16 points, 18 assists, and 10 rebounds. Doncic hurt his wrist in that game but said he’s just going to be fine. However, it remains to be seen whether Slovenia would scale Doncic’s minutes in the bronze medal game. Slovenia could also just give Doncic all the minutes he could handle, as a bronze will not be too shabby for Slovenia, who has not won a medal before in basketball in the Olympics. Doncic should get plenty of help from the likes of Vlatko Cancar, Mike Tobey, and Klemen Prepelic, all of whom are averaging at least 11.0 points per game in the tournament.
Betting on the Australia (+2)
The Australian fell short of reaching the gold medal game in the Olympics again. The Boomers, who lost to Serbia in the semis five years ago in Rio de Janeiro, suffered a 97-78 loss to Team USA in the semifinals Thursday morning. The Australians gave Team USA fits in the first half but they simply just could not keep it up in the second half. The depth of Team USA caused so much trouble for Australia, which should not be much of a case this Friday against a less-talented Slovenian unit. Australia has better overall talent than Slovenia. Although the Slovenians have Luka Doncic, Australia is feeding off the amazing play and leadership of Patty Mills, who is averaging 20.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, while shooting 40.5 percent from deep. Apart from Mills, Australia also has Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, and Jock Landale as dependable performers on offense and defense.
Writer’s Prediction
Australia wins, 87-83.
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