The 2020 Olympic Games men’s basketball is about to go underway, and Slovenia’s first challenge comes in the form of ‘The Argentine Soul’. As Luka Doncic and his nation make their first appearance at the Summer Games, it will be interesting to see how they hold up against an experienced Argentina team. Slovenia went undefeated in the 2020 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, meaning this is not going to be a walk in the park for the South Americans. Nonetheless, Sergio Hernández and company are anticipated to showcase their Olympic experience and score the first win of their 2020 Tokyo campaign.

With that, NitroBetting put together a complete preview of Argentina vs. Slovenia game, packing all the details you need to lock in on winning picks. Find important event details, the latest Basketball odds, updated betting trends, and expert betting predictions right here.

Argentina vs. Slovenia Game Information

Basketball #TeamSlovenia photoshooting ????#imamoto #imamotokio #IfeelSlovenia @SloveniaInfo @FIBA #Tokyo2020 @luka7doncic @CancarVlatko @AliNikolic @zoran_dragic pic.twitter.com/HJl9oAnvOQ

— Team Slovenia (@TeamSlovenia) July 22, 2021

• When: Monday, July 26, 2021, 12:40 PM ET
• Where: Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan
• TV: NBC Sports Network
• Radio: NBC Sports Radio
• Live Stream: Peacock
• 2020 Tokyo Olympics Basketball Odds:Argentina (+5) / Slovenia

Why is Argentina a safe bet to win?

Argentina may not have the youngest lineup in the tournament, but they possess the essence of a veteran team. There’s no Manu Ginobili or Andres Nocioni to provide experienced basketball to the team, but 41-year-old Luis Scola is more than happy to take on that role. He, alongside Facundo Campazzo, Nicolas Brussino, Luca Vildoza, and Leandro Bolmaro smoothens things out on the defensive and offensive sides. On paper, this team offers far less athleticism than Team USA or even Slovenia, but what they bring to the table is a smart and scrappy type of play that can corner any of the top dogs of the tournament.

As of this writing, the team holds a spot in the Fiba Top 6 at No. 4. Argentina is a veteran team that’s been on this stage more times than their opponents, and we expect the team to utilize their international basketball expertise come game day.

Why is Slovenia a safe bet to win?

This is the first time Slovenia has qualified for the Olympics after defeating Lithuania 96-85 in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament final. They enter the tournament as one of the underdogs but stand a good chance in Group C with Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic leading the charge. The 22-year-old guard led his country to the EuroBasket gold four years ago when he was just a teenager. Since he joined the NBA and earned some more experience along the way, Slovenia stands a good fighting chance against the South Americans in their debut game.

Everyone was looking forward to the Luka Doncic and Goran Dragic tandem, but the Miami Heat guard won’t make it to the tournament. However, his brother Zoran Dragic takes his place, along with Vlatko Cančar, which gives the team some more offensive firepower. But we expect Doncic to maximize his work rate as he tries to carry Slovenia beyond the group stage.

Argentina vs. Slovenia Betting Trends

• Argentina is 0-2 in their last 2 exhibition games.
• Argentina averages 78.3 points per game in friendly and international games this season.
• Argentina allows 96.3 points per game in friendly and international games this season.
• Slovenia is 2-0 in their last 2 exhibition games.
• Slovenia averages 95.5 points per game in friendly and international games this season.
• Slovenia allows 84.0 points per game in friendly and international games this season.

Argentina vs. Slovenia Expert Betting Predictions

Group C does not offer an easy road for Slovenia’s first Olympic appearance, but it promises to be a memorable one. While they come in as the underdogs, Doncic and his magic can make this tough for Argentina to win. There’s a good chance that they take this one home and cover the spread if their opponents put their guard down. On the other hand, a consistent and seasoned Argentina team that can set the pace early poses a threat for any team in Group C.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at NitroBetting news. Stay tuned for more Olympic basketball game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.