After being delayed for a year due to the pandemic, we’re back on track and ready to revel in international basketball. The second preliminary round Group A game of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Men’s basketball features a clash between two international giants, the United States of America and France. Team USA starts their Olympics campaign in high spirits as they try to win a fourth consecutive gold medal. On the other hand, The Blues seek their first Olympic gold medal and add to their two silver medals which they won in 1948 and 2000. This is going to be an interesting matchup as both teams sport top-caliber players and is expected to light up the group stages.

That being said, NitroBetting gets you closer to the winning picks in this USA vs. France preview. Find out the essential event details, the latest odds, timely betting trends, and our very own expert betting predictions.

USA vs. France Game Information

First shots up at the Saitama Super Arena!

?? #USABMNT tips off #Tokyo2020 vs ?? France in just three days time (July 25, 8 AM ET, Peacock) pic.twitter.com/9O2KYOFacg

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2021

• When: Sunday, July 25, 2021, 8:00 AM ET
• Where: Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan
• TV: NBC Sports Network
• Radio: NBC Sports Radio
• Live Stream: Peacock
• 2020 Tokyo Olympics Basketball Odds: USA (-1250) / France (+623)

READ MORE: Germany vs. Italy Tokyo 2020 Olympics Basketball Odds and Preview – July 25th, 2021

Why is USA a safe bet to win?

Before Sunday’s contest, USA played four exhibition games, securing two wins and losing the other two. They lost their first two games against Nigeria and Australia but eventually recovered from the upset after taking on Argentina and Spain. After building up momentum from the tune-up games, the team is ready to take on the challenge of the Olympics, and many look forward to what the star-studded team can deliver.

Will the stacked lineup littered with NBA All-Stars work with Greg Popovich’s system? Or will the team implode due to the overwhelming amount of talent? Nonetheless, everyone is excited to see what Team USA can bring to the table.

Team USA’s lineup features Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. But the team is more than just an offensive threat. Their firepower goes beyond scoring and is anticipated to deliver on the defensive help as well with the likes of Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Draymond Green providing their expertise on locking down opponents.

Why is France a safe bet to win?

Meanwhile, France had more difficulty leading up to the Olympics after losing all three exhibition games. They lost back-to-back games to Spain and were defeated by the 2020 Tokyo hosts. And in 2019, France won the bronze medal in the Basketball World Cup after defeating opponents Australia.

Leading the charge for the team is Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert. The center is considered one of the best defensive players in the sport, and he adds plenty of value to the team. After all, France is among the favorites to win the tournament and boast a roster that’s more than capable of putting pressure on Team USA.

Looking past Gobert, France gets the services of Frank Ntilikina, Evan Fournier, and Vincent Fourier, all capable of covering offensive and defensive duties. Furthermore, having Nicolas Batum’s veteran experience glues the team together and encourages smarter plays. It’s safe to say that once this team gets traction early into the group stages, there’s a good chance that they can claim one of the two top spots to proceed to the next round.

USA vs. France Betting Trends

• Team USA is 6-0 in their last 6 Olympic games against France.
• Team USA averaged 95.7 points per game in their last 6 Olympic games against France.
• Team USA beat France by 3 points in their last meeting in the 2016 Olympics.
• France averaged 70.0 points per game in their last 6 Olympic games against team USA.
• France beat team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Playoffs 89-79.
• France is 3-2 in their last 5 international games.

USA vs. France Expert Betting Predictions

Although Team USA dominated their last few clashes, this year’s French international basketball team shows a different side to them. With more prominent players added to the roster, this might be their year. It’s also worth noting that presenting a tough challenge from the get-go can get the team going right away.

If they dictate the pace early on, the American team is going to face challenges ahead. However, if they don’t contain their opponents right away, Team USA is more than capable of creating a significant lead that might be too much to close down.

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.