Unlike their male counterparts, USA women’s basketball team picked up a win in its first game in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Can Team USA keep it going when it faces the host Japan, which is also coming off a victory? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Team USA vs Japan Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball on July 30, 2021
Where: Saitama Super Arena, Chūō-ku, Saitama, Saitama Prefecture
When: Friday, July 30, 2021, 12:40 AM ET
Line: Team USA (-19.5) vs. Japan (+19.5) – view all 2021 Summer Olympics lines
TV Broadcast: USA Network
Betting on the Team USA (-19.5)
Team USA was not going to let Nigeria score an upset, taking care of business in the opener to the tune of an 81-72 score. The Americans dominated on almost every facet of the game against Nigeria, as expected. They outscored Nigeria in transition, second-chance points, points in the paint, and bench points. The last one isn’t at all surprising, given how stacked this squad is. A’Ja Wilson paced Team USA with 19 points, while Brittney Griner posted a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. But Japan can’t really just prepare for one or two players against Team USA, which can have a different player explode on any given game. That being said, Griner will be a focal point down low for Team USA, as her combination of size and skill will be a huge problem for Japan.
Betting on the Japan (+19.5)
Japan also passed its first test in the women’s basketball bracket in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as it escaped with a close 74-70 win over France in Group B play. The biggest difference in the game was Japan’s bench, which generated 35 points to just 16 by France’s second unit. Saki Hayashi led the team with 12 points off the bench on the strength of a 3/5 shooting from behind the ar. Speaking of which, that outside shooting will be crucial for Japan in order to loosen up Team USA’s defense. Japan went 11/27 (40.7%) from downtown against France, which was even better than its 38.7 percent shooting from inside the arc. On the other end of the floor, Japan will have to prepare for Team USA’s offensive onslaught. Japan did limit France to only 21.1 percent shooting from deep but registered zero blocks.
Writer’s Prediction
Team USA wins, 91-71.
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