Japan vs. Spain Tokyo 2020 Olympics Basketball Odds and Preview – July 26th, 2021

By Carlos Chacon • July 23, 2021

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics basketball men’s preliminary round is about to get underway, and it opens with a clash between hosts Japan and favorites Spain. This is going to put Japan to the test and promises exciting basketball from start to finish. Since the hosts are grouped with top contenders, they have to seize every opportunity they get to secure one of the two top spots in the group. Meanwhile, Sergio Scariolo and his team will try to make a strong start as they anticipate a deep run in the tournament.

NitroBetting is the home of basketball betting and everything sports. In this preview, we give you a comprehensive look at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics basketball game between Japan vs. Spain. Find all essential team and player details, event information, the latest Basketball odds, betting trends, and our very own expert betting predictions. Read on and start locking in on winning picks as we revel in Tokyo 2020 Olympics action.

Japan vs. Spain Game Information

What a moment! Carrying the flag for the hosts in Tokyo is @rui_8mura! ??#Tokyo2020 | #Basketball pic.twitter.com/dL3kRrNy4p
— FIBA #Tokyo2020 (@FIBA) July 23, 2021

When: Monday, July 26, 2021, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan
TV: NBC Sports Network
Radio: NBC Sports Radio
Live Stream: Peacock
2020 Tokyo Olympics Basketball Odds: TBA

Why is Japan a safe bet to win?

Even though Japan hosts the 2020 Olympics, they currently hold the lowest ranking in men’s basketball at No. 42. However, the team remains positive as they look at Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura to take the helm as they play their first game against Spain in Group C of the men’s basketball preliminary rounds. The team anticipates more challenges to come along the way as they are grouped with two other international basketball giants, Argentina and Slovenia. Nevertheless, they prepared for the event with several friendly games, taking down Belgium 87-59 and a 79-58 win against Hungary.

Rui Hachimura is expected to lead the offensive line of Japan. He led the scoring for his team during their pre-Olympic exhibition match with Belgium, scoring 24 points while shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 2made 3-pointers out of 5 attempts. Moreover, Team Hayabusa gets the services of Toronto Raptors player Yuta Watanabe. The forward contributed 15 points to help Japan overcome the Belgians, while Gavin Edwards added 10 more. Ultimately, Japan will put its squad to the test right away, and we look forward to the young talent causing problems for the Europeans along the way.

Why is Spain a safe bet to win?

It’s fair to say that Spain would have been a dynasty if it weren’t for Team USA. They have been No. 2 in the FIBA rankings since the 2016 Olympics and brought home a medal in three straight Olympics. However, the team remains in the hunt for their first-ever gold medal, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics presents another opportunity.

Spain brings a familiar team into the tournament, packed with veteran names and new talent. Marc and Pau Gasol will man the paint. The Gasol brothers often put pressure on Team USA’s lack of big men, and dominating the boards is more likely to happen against a relatively shorter Japan team. Guards Ricky Rubio, Sergio Rodriguez, and Sergio Llull will rotate to provide the backcourt some much-needed talent.

Additionally, Rudy Fernandez is known to step up big time in international play, while Juancho and Willy Hernangomez add depth to the team. La Roja is known to be a good team and has outstanding team chemistry, which makes them the match favorites as they take on the hosts.

Japan vs. Spain Betting Trends

Japan is 2-0 in their last 2 friendly games.
Japan averages 75.3 points per game in friendly and international games this season.
Japan allows 70.5 points per game in friendly and international games this season.
Spain is 2-0 against Japan in their last 2 games in the Olympics.
Spain averages 80.7 points per game in the Olympics.
Spain is 1-1 in their last 2 friendly games.

Japan vs. Spain Expert Betting Predictions

This contest looks like one between David and Goliath, with the latter being the Spaniards. After dominating Europe and breathing down the necks of the Americans in international basketball, there’s a good chance that they set the tempo early into the game and take control of the paint. But make no mistake, Japan is a dark horse of the tournament and is capable of punching above their weight. Covering the spread should be a likely outcome to happen, with chances of sneaking in a narrow win.

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.