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Team USA will again meet Australia in the knockout round of the Olympics. In their last encounter in Japan three years ago, the Americans pulled off a hard-fought 93-82 win. A victory by the A’ja Wilson-led team on Friday clinches a spot in the gold medal game.
The Opals have had some tough games against the Americans over the last seven Olympics. They will have another crack at the juggernauts in Paris with confidence. The Aussies are coming off an impressive 85-67 dismantling of Serbia in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
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Team USA vs Australia: Preview, prediction and odds
The Bercy Arena in Paris, France will host the showdown between the Americans and the Aussies. Basketball fans can subscribe to Courtside 1891, Fubo, or Peacock to catch the action.
Spread: USA (-17.5) vs. Australia (+17.5)
Total (O/U): USA (o162.5 -110) vs. Australia (u162.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Team USA vs Australia: Game preview
The Americans overwhelmed Nigeria in the paint in the quarter-finals to book a seat in the semis with an 88-74 win. A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas led the paint onslaught. They outrebounded the Africans 44-28, including 11-7 in the offensive glass.
Team USA might not have that decisive edge against the Opals' towering frontline. Ezi Magbegor, Mariana Tolo, Cayla George and the veteran Lauren Jackson will relish jostling against the No. 1 team in the world inside the paint.
Cheryl Reeve’s team, though, is capable of winning in different ways. They are also tough to deal with in fastbreaks, 3-pointers and defense. There are multiple reasons why they are favorites to win the gold.
Australia started hot against Serbia and continued to pound their opponents until the midway point of the fourth quarter. Behind a balanced attack led by Alanna Smith, Jade Melbourne, Sami Whitcomb and Cayla George, the Opals routed the Serbians. It was the Aussies’ best game in the Olympics and they need to play better than that to beat the Americans.
In the win against Nigeria, the Opals showed off their chemistry and crisp execution. They might have a chance of pulling off an upset if they can sustain that on Friday and have one or two get hot.
Team USA vs Australia: Prediction
The Opals put on a dazzling show against Serbia but even if they play like that, winning against Team USA will still be an uphill climb. The offense always gets the spotlight in the Americans’ Olympic campaign but their defense has answered the bell when needed. A’ja Wilson and Co. are likely returning to the gold medal game because of their two-way excellence.
