Before heading over to Tokyo for the Olympic Games later in July, the mens’ squads take part in a handful of exhibition games against international opponents. This gives us a chance to get a glimpse of each team before entering the most prestigious sporting events in the world. On Tuesday night, we get to witness two teams, the USA and Argentina, test their skills before setting foot on the big stage.

Both teams are coming off a loss, with the ‘Argentine Soul’ coming off a blowout loss to Nigeria while Team USA suffered back-to-back losses against Nigeria and Australia, respectively. This allows the teams to bounce back and work on their tactics and fitness and start their 2021 Olympics campaign on a positive note.

That being said, NitroBetting puts together a preview of the USA vs. Argentina game for all betting enthusiasts out there. Get a low down of the teams, key players, and what to expect in the game. We impart essential betting trends and betting predictions that will help you secure the best picks. Be sure to check out for this and more sports betting odds and lines at our online Bitcoin sportsbook!

USA vs. Argentina Exhibition Game Info

More run tomorrow versus Argentina at 6 PM ET on NBCSN.

?? #USABMNT x Road To Tokyo pic.twitter.com/1vP5iYq9Mb

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 13, 2021

• When: Tuesday, July 13, 2021, 6:00 PM ET
• Where: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• TV: NBCSN
• Radio: NBC Sports Radio
• Live Stream: fubo.tv
• Basketball Odds: USA -2500 / -17.5 (-123) / Over 182.5 (-105) | Argentina +906 / +17.5 (-105) / Under 182.5 (-123)

READ MORE: USA vs. Australia Men’s International Basketball Odds, Analysis, and Pick

Why is USA a safe bet to win?

After a tough loss against Nigeria and Australia, this marks the first time Team USA suffered back-to-back defeats in exhibition games since professionals made their way to the roster in 1992. NBA All-Star guard Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant combined for 39 points in their efforts to bounce back from their previous loss.

The man from Portland was the focal point of scoring for the USA with 22 points, which includes six made shots from beyond the arc. Only Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal made it to double-digit scoring, with the ‘Slim Reaper’ draining 17 points and Beal ending his night with 12 points. The rest of the squad did very little to challenge their opponents.

It was a closely contested match until the second half started when the Americans let Australia pull away to end the third quarter with 32 points while they had to settle with 18. They were able to improve their numbers in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to cut the deficit. The game ended 91-83 in favor of the team from the Down Under.

Despite the overflowing individual talent Team USA possesses, it looks like inconsistency has taken over. There’s still time for Greg Popovich to rectify mistakes and create more solid strategies before the Olympics take off later this month.

Why is Argentina a safe bet to win?

Argentina was the recipient of the momentum the Nigerian’s built after taking down Team USA. The night ended with a blowout score of 94-71. Nonetheless, several takeaways can work in Argentina’s favor come Tuesday night. All but three players scored in their 14-man lineup, which tells us that there’s some good rotation going on here.

Only one player managed to hit double digits, as Leandro Bolmaro led his team’s scoring with 10 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound. Luis Scola is at a close second with 9 points and 4 rebounds, while Marcos Delia, Luca Vildoza, Patricio Garino, and Nicolas Laprovittola recorded 8 points each.

Sergio Hernández is known for utilizing his team and playing the passing game often. This might work well against Team USA, but they have to produce better numbers if they want to challenge this iteration of the Dream Team, if you can even all it that.

What makes the South American team lethal is their ability to drain mid-range shots and 3-pointers with efficiency. They’re not known for their driving game and strength in the paint, but they do have that offensive and defensive prowess reminiscent of European basketball.

USA vs. Argentina Basketball Betting Trends

• Team USA is 3-2 in their last 5 games.
• Team USA scored more than 90 points in 3 of their last 5 games.
• Team USA is 4-1 against Argentina in their last 5 Olympic games.
• Argentina is 2-3 in their last 5 games.
• Argentina scored less than 90 points in 4 of their last 5 games.
• The last time Argentina beat USA was in the 2018 FIBA World Cup Qualification.

USA vs. Argentina Betting Prediction

After Team USA’s performance in their last two exhibition games, Argentina might just stand a chance against the basketball giants. But if we look at the numbers and the lineup alone, the Americans are expected to enter the court with the upper hand. If they built traction and set off on the right foot in the early stages of the game, this might be theirs for the taking.

However, you can’t put your guard down when playing against Argentina as their versatility can do major damage to any top-tier international team. There’s a good opening to cover the spread with a possibility of taking a narrow win if Team USA fails to contain them.

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