Canada vs Australia Olympic Basketball Odds and Preview | Paris 2024

Excitement around the 2024 Paris Olympics has reached fever pitch, with each new day bringing fresh thrills. And 30th July is no different.

Fans of basketball are in for a treat, as two of the best basketballing nations go head-to-head today. Both Australia and Canada possess some of the best basketball players in the world. The two Commonwealth heavyweights face off on 30th July, as festivities in the “Group of Death” resume.

The Group of Death

When the draws for the 2024 Paris Olympics basketball tournament were announced, Group A immediately stood out. A relative novice may ask why. However, basketball fans are well aware of the copious levels of talent countries like Greece, Canada, Australia and Spain possess.

Even Canadian head coach, Jordi Fernandez, acknowledged the quality on offer in Canada’s group. During a recent interview, he said, “It's a tough one. But I think at the end of the day, that just helps you prepare for what's coming after. I think that when you survive a group like this, it just makes you better.”

Despite being labelled as the “Group of Death,” both Australia and Canada are considered favorites to advance into the Quarterfinals. While Spain boasts a well-balanced team and Greece has two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Canada and Australia simply have a deeper pool of talent.

Apart from the USA, no two rosters have a larger pool of NBA talent. Canada currently boasts 10 players on their roster who ply their trade in the NBA. Whereas Australia has 8.

Canada – Gunning for the Gold

After years of disappointing performances in the Olympics, Canada finally looks like a serious contender for this year’s gold medal. Besides the USA, no other team possesses such quality. NBA stars like Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort and RJ Barrett call Canada their home.

However, the jewel in Canada’s crown is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 25-year-old OKC Thunder star has established himself as a legitimate star. Furthermore, he also came third in the 2024 NBA MVP voting. SGA averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds during the 2023-24 NBA season.

Despite their envious pool of talent, Canada’s roster has a glaring weakness. Canada’s lack of depth in the centre position could prove to be their Achilles heel. Players like Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell and Trey Lyles are not elite players. However, Canada made light work of Giannis-led Greece, winning by a scoreline of 86-79 in their first game.

Australia – Dark Horses of the Tournament

Over the years, the Australian Men’s Basketball team have been one of the most consistent performers at the Olympics. In fact, the Australian Men’s National team won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Boomers would look to continue this streak at the 2024 Paris Olympics. And with a nice blend of seasoned veterans and young stars, Australia has the perfect recipe for success.

Australia boasts talented youngsters like Josh Giddey, Josh Green and Dyson Daniels. Now, combine this with the veteran leadership of Joe Ingles and Patty Mills, the Boomers are a formidable opponent, even for teams like the USA and Canada.

The Boomers have already displayed their credential, defeating a talented Spanish team by a scoreline of 92-80 in the first round.

Australia vs Canada – Tip-Off Time and Date

The game is scheduled to take place on 30th July 2024 (Tuesday) at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium. The match will tip off at 5:00 PM (Indian Standard Time)