Canada vs. Australia Men's Basketball: Picks, Predictions and Odds

Both Canada and Australia got off to winning starts in the men's basketball at the Olympics, beating Greece and Spain respectively, making Tuesday's clash one of real importance as each aims to take the initiative in a competitive Group A. 

A win would put either side in the driving seat for qualification to the Quarterfinals and a probable easier match-up in the next round. Canada are the favorite to take the points in Villeneuve d'Ascq and coach Jordi Fernandez definitely has the talent at his disposal to justify that tag on Tuesday. 

Canada vs. Australia betting picks and predictions

Canada -5.5 (-110)

It could be argued that Canada's opening win over Greece was not a surprise by any means, given the Canucks have seemingly been working towards these Olympics for a long time now and should be considered the biggest threats to the star-studded USA's chance of grabbing gold. 

Canada showed glimpses of their talent at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, finishing third after beating the States in the third-place playoff, but they look even stronger this time around. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is their undoubted star, coming off the back of season where he finished second in the NBA's MVP voting, but the supporting cast is just as impressive. 

Jamal Murray is one of the NBA's best guards, but he has had to settle for a spot on the bench, with Lu Dort's exceptional defense preferred in the back-court by Fernandez, while Dillon Brooks and RJ Barrett are also established stars. 

Australia have some familiar names themselves, including Patty Mills and Josh Giddey, but they are a far less talented side overall than Canada and they could come unstuck on Tuesday. 

The Boomers were impressive against Spain, running out 92-80 victors on Saturday, but Canada will provide a new level of challenge. Spain are far from the force of old, with both Pau and Marc Gasol no longer around to star for La Roja, so an Australian win was arguably on the cards. 

Canada nullified the threat of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in their 86-79 victory over Greece - as well as they could anyway, he still scored 34 points - and Australia have nobody in even the same stratosphere as the Milwaukee Bucks star. 

Canada's starpower should come to the fore in Villeneuve d'Ascq and they should land a victory by at least a six-point margin. 

Total points under 177.5 (-105)

Canada look set to win this match comfortably, and they should do so by keeping the overall points tally down. 

Gilgeous-Alexander is not only an exceptional offensive player but he is also a capable defender, while Brooks and Dort are considered two of the NBA's best players for locking up opponents. 

The latter two can struggle to consistently knock down shots, though, and Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander are unlikely to score enough points on their own to see the over land in Villeneuve d'Ascq.

With no real offensive star in the Australia roster, they could struggle to break through a resolute Canadian defense. 

Giddey is a good playmaker, but leaves a lot to be desired in the shooting department, while Mills is a strong three-point scorer but now 35 years of age, he may struggle to impact the match for long periods against a youthful Canadian side. 

Both of these sides' opening games saw less that 178 points scored, suggesting it could pay to back the under when the two meet on Tuesday. 

Race to 20 points - Australia @ +120

While Australia look unlikely to win this match, they could at least make a fast start at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. 

Mills, Matthew Delladova, Joe Ingles and Jock Landale are all vastly experienced players and they could use their knowledge of the game to unnerve the Candians early on in this clash. 

The Boomers came out of the blocks fast against Spain, taking a 31-21 lead into the second quarter, and will look to replicate that speedy start against Canada, making them an interesting pick in the race to 20 points market. 

If Mills can find his groove from beyond the arc and knock down some early threes, Australia could make the +120 for them to hit 20 points first look a huge price. The 35-year-old's impact on the game will wane with time, so he will be keen to hit his shots early. 

Canada raced into a lead against Greece, but were pegged back pretty quickly, so they clearly can be vulnerable in the early stages if things go their opponent's way.

So take the longshot on the Aussies to hit 20 points first, before ultimately succumbing to the superior star power of the Canadians. 

Read more betting picks and predictions for Canada Basketball on site

Canada vs. Australia odds

Canada	-230
Australia	+190
Spread	Canada -5.5
Total Points	177.5

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.