USA vs. France odds, prop bets, predictions: Americans lay big spread in 2024 Olympic men’s basketball Gold Medal Game

Following upsets over previously unbeaten Canada and defending FIBA World Cup champion Germany, 2024 Olympics host France has arrived in another gold medal game. The French enjoys a significant homecourt advantage, as they aim to make history by winning a final after falling short in 1948, 2000 and 2021, losing to the United States each time.

Team USA, looking for a fifth straight gold, was nearly dethroned as the Olympic champ on Thursday. Surviving via a 95-91 result, the U.S. fell behind by as many as 17 points and didn’t lead until late against Serbia, which put together an incredible effort.

It took 36 points from Stephen Curry, a triple-double from LeBron James and enormous fourth-quarter baskets from the three other closers for head coach Steve Kerr -- Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and Devin Booker -- to overcome an upset bid from the Nikola Jokic-led Serbian side.

France’s matchup against the United States on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, NBC) is the first between the nations since the Tokyo Olympics, where the Americans put together an 87-82 victory. Durant scored a game-high 29 points, and the U.S. led most of the way after falling behind 12-6 in the opening minutes. While Team USA now has James, Curry and Embiid in the mix after not being on board in 2021, the French are now led by 20-year-old reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

USA vs. France odds: Spread, moneyline, total for Olympic men’s basketball final from Bet365

Here are 2024 Olympic betting odds offered at Bet365 Sportsbook for the USA vs. France gold medal game. It is always recommended to check multiple sports betting sites for the best odds and prices for the bets you wish to make.

Also check : Top sports betting apps | Best sportsbook promos

USA betting news and analysis

With a sizzling start, Curry kept the United States from digging a hole it would’ve been impossible to get out of. He scored 14 of Team USA’s first 15 points in just 3:35, but the Americans still surrendered 31 first-quarter points and trailed by eight after 10 minutes.

France is the third opponent the U.S. has faced in this Olympic tournament it didn’t play in its showcase leading up to the Games. The Americans had no trouble with Puerto Rico and Brazil, but now face a team that’s deeper, significantly better on defense and very athletic up front.

Embiid saved his best for when it mattered most against Serbia, but was still a liability on the defensive end and gave up too many second chances, so Kerr may ultimately utilize Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo more here.

Jayson Tatum again drew a DNP-CD, but it would be surprising if he’s not in the rotation against France, having scored 19 points in 21 minutes in the last gold medal game, leading the team in plus-minus. It remains to be seen whose minutes are sacrificed, but Anthony Edwards played just 13 minutes against Serbia, missing both of his 3-point looks and finishing with just two points.

France betting news and analysis

Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert played the most minutes for France against the U.S in Tokyo, but only two of those guys can be confident that they’ll play a large role at Bercy Arena. Gobert has fallen out of head coach Vincent Collet’s rotation, playing just over eight minutes in France’s wins over Canada and Germany, taking one shot and grabbing two rebounds. It's uncertain how the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year is utilized.

Batum will likely guard James and has been instrumental in upsets by defending the likes of Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Germany's Franz Wagner one-on-one. Fournier comes off a 1-for-6 effort from 3-point range in the semis.

France defeated Germany despite shooting just 6-for-27 on 3-pointers and needs Fournier, Frank Ntilikina and Matthew Strazel to join Wembanyama, Batum and Isiah Cordinier in providing perimeter punch. Cordinier and forward Guerschon Yabusele, the 16th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, have been driving forces among this group as standout two-way players.

Wembanyama will be the primary catalyst at both ends, but there's a massive challenge ahead as he tries to come through for his country.

USA vs. France prop bets

Here is a sampling of USA vs. France prop bets from DraftKings .

• USA team total: Over 96.5 -115, Under 96.5 -115
• France team total: Over 79.5 -115 Under 79.5 -115
• First-half spread: USA +9 -120, France -9 -120, O/U 88.5 -115
• LeBron James points + rebounds + assists: Over 31.5 -110, Under 31.5 -120
• Kevin Durant points + rebounds + assists: Over 20.5 +100, Under 20.5 -130
• Victor Wembanyama points + rebounds + assists: Over 31.5 -110, Under 31.5 -120
• Stephen Curry points: Over 14.5 -120, Under 14.5 -110

USA vs. France prediction: Grinder for Gold

France looks to turn this into a halfcourt affair, hoping to shorten quarters, hang around and steal this late, making the most of the partisan crowd who will serve as a sixth man. Look for Team USA to overcome it all, winning a fifth consecutive Olympic title in a lower-scoring game than expected.