Sunday’s Olympics schedule features a great slate of women’s basketball and men’s handball matches that are worth investing in at the top sportsbooks.
In order to find the best bets, I am especially interested in USA vs. Germany in basketball and Egypt vs. Argentina and Denmark vs. Norway in handball.
Basketball Pick
- USA -19.5 (-110)
Handball Picks
- Argentina +8.5 (-114)
- Denmark-Norway Under 58.5 (-114)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
USA vs. Germany (Women’s Basketball)
Sunday, August 04, 2024 – 11:15 AM at Pierre Mauroy Stadium
Last Meeting
USA and Germany recently played each other. This game took place on July 23 of this year in an exhibition game that preceded group play, where the Americans dominated 84-57.
Their 27-point margin of victory was 7.5 points greater than Sunday’s spread – they were favored by 19.5 points.
Team USA Dominated
In this exhibition match, Team USA exhibited its dominance by relying extensively on inexperienced players. The fact that the team’s least reliable players could thrive against Germany attests to the ability of the team overall to exert its will on Sunday.
Specifically, Alyssa Thomas thrived in both the scoring and rebounding departments, despite the fact that this is the 32-year-old’s first-ever time competing at the Olympics.
Indeed, they played extremely well as a team, as evident in their massive assist total. All of the Americans are able to get involved and contribute when they face Germany.
This game also showed that they are able to limit Germany’s top player, the WNBA star Satou Sabally, who made a negligible impact on the scoreboard despite her typical significance to Germany’s overall outlook. Overall, Germany shot under 30% in this game.
Takeaway From This Result
This game shows that America is clearly the better side. It’s not like Germany didn’t take the match seriously. After facing an early double-digit deficit, the Germans did fight. They did try to claw their way back into the game.
But the Americans also match up well against Germany. On defense, they have the interior defense in the form of women like A’ja Wilson, and the perimeter defenders in the form of various bigs and smaller players who have, in the WNBA, established a reputation for their ability to lock down three-point shooters.
On offense, Wilson is likewise dominant as a scorer inside, while the likes of Sabrina Ionescu thrives from deep.
The basic point is that the Americans have too many weapons on offense and are too solid on defense. Expect them, therefore, to resume their excellent form by blowing out the Germans again.
Basketball Pick: USA -19.5 (-110) at Bet365
Egypt vs. Argentina (Handball)
Sunday, August 04, 2024 – 05:00 AM ET at South Paris Arena 6
Letdown Situation
This game fits the classic letdown angle that bettors rely on to guide them across all sports. For this game, we all know that Egypt is the superior side, and Egypt surely knows it, too.
However, motivation trumps talent. So often, the more talented side underperforms. Classic psychology should guide us here to the exclusion of considering Egypt’s superior talent.
When one team enjoys a dramatic and significant win, it is typical for that team to have an emotional letdown in its following game. It is hard to focus on the next opponent and to regain sufficient motivation to play well against it.
This is the case for Egypt, which is coming off a thrilling one-point win over a tough Norway side. With its qualification for the knockout stage already secured, the Egyptians now face a seemingly hapless Argentina side.
Except the Egyptians to underperform. The spread is large because Argentina is so much weaker in general, but the spread doesn’t account for team psychology, specifically for the distinct situation that will dictate how this game goes.
Egypt will probably win, sure, but it won’t approach the spread.
Handball Pick: Argentina +8.5 (-114) at Bet365
Denmark vs. Norway (Handball)
Sunday, August 04, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at South Paris Arena 6
Take The “Under” With Norway
In these Olympics, Norway is proving to be a major “under” team.
The Norwegians’ last three games have totaled 49 points against France, 51 against Hungary, and 51 against Egypt.
Given these results, the total at 58.5 for this upcoming match with Denmark appears way too high. Norway’s affinity for low-scoring affairs, prevailing as it does against all sorts of opponents, warrants an investment in the “under.”
It’s Norway’s defense that is key here: the Norwegians are manifestly well-organized and cohesive on defense. They play well as a team, but they also won’t blow away their opponents with their offense.
Handball Pick: Under 58.5 (-114) at Bet365
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