Canada vs Spain Preview and Prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball | August 2

Canada will look to lock the No. 1 seed in Group A when they take on the reigning EuroBasket champions Spain on Friday. They took care of business in the toughest group against Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece and Josh Giddey's Australia.

Meanwhile, Spain got off to a disappointing start with a loss to the Aussies but bounced back in dominant style against fellow European counterparts Greece. They're vying for the second seed with Australia, so it's a must-win game for them.

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Canada vs. Spain Odds, Preview and Prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball

Canada and Spain will lock horns on Friday at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. The game begins at 5:15 p.m. local time and 11:15 a.m. ET.

Here are the odds for the game:

Money line: Canada -455, Spain +350

Spread: Canada -9.5 (-108), Spain +9.5 (-112)

Total over/under: Canada O167.5 (-110), Spain U167.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to the game.

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Canada vs. Spain Preview

Canada comes into this contest as the overwhelming favorite. They have the talent on the roster to contend for the gold medal. They've had their ups and downs in the opening two games but have executed plays in crunch time.

Their strengths lie on the defensive end, with multiple perimeter stoppers like Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexnader on the team. Canada's issues are on offense, especially with their 3-point shooting.

They are averaging 8.0 per contest across two games. Canada compensates for it by getting to the free throw line, and they would need that against an efficient perimeter shooting team like Spain.

The EuroBasket champs are converting 13.5 shots per contest across two outings, with a 39.7% efficiency. Their pace has been excellent, too, giving them the advantage to get into their offensive sets before the defense can adjust.

However, Spain struggles with turning the ball over and the defensive glass. Their interior scoring isn't that solid, either.

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Canada vs. Spain Predicted Starting Lineups for 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball

Canada

PG - Shai Gilgeous Alexander, SG - Dillon Brooks, SF - RJ Barrett, PF - Luguentz Dort, C - Dwight Powell

Spain

PG - Lorenzo Brown, SG - Alex Abrines, SF - Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, PF - Santi Aldama, C - Willy Hernangomez

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Canada vs. Spain Prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball

Canada is the overwhelming favorite to win against Spain, with a -455 money line and a -9.5 spread. Both teams match up well in terms of their numbers after playing the same opponents in their past two games.

However, Canada seems to have the defense and offense required to offset what Spain thrives off. It could be a closer contest than expected if Spain gets off to a hot start from the 3-point line like they did against Greece.