These three will hit, I know its impossible to get hits here without either being some attention assclown or posting a long record that I don't have time for. I'll write a little breakdown from how I see it
Russia v. Spain:
-Spain has looked terrible the entire tournament. I think people just assume they are the worlds number two because they have the Gasol brothers and a couple of guards (rubio not even playing) that get some limelight. That all means nothing, the actually problem with this team is half of it plays European style basketball and the other half plays American style basketball. European style is less physical, more passing and screens, less driving, and a bit quicker with no ball hogs at the 2 or 3. Spain did tank their final game to ensure they wouldnt see USA before the final, but they didnt even look decent any other game. They only beat France because France had a 6.5 minute gap in the 4th quarter without a single point, and only two buckets in the final 8 minutes of the game.
-Russia meanwhile has a rejuvinated AK47 and great guard play. They can play physical or can run and gun. These guys play together more and play more like a team. There is tremendous value on the ML here, but +6 is being pretty generous for a team that could win this thing. The only variable here is Spain playing the games of their olympic lives. No one is doubting this team CAN be the second best team in the world, but after 5 legitimate olympic games they are a massive letdown and should not be in the final.
Russia +6, Russia ML
USA v. Arg
-Rematch just like in the other match. These two teams have an intense rivalry and I think the over is the most safe bet. Revenge is in the air and the edge has to go to Argentina. The US only pulled away in the end of the 3rd quarter in each of their last two matches and I dont expect Argentina to give up again like they did in the finale of their group play. This line seems to be razor sharp as a 22-28 point win is in the band for this matchup. Though I expect it to be a 13-17 point game, the difference may be garbage time in the 4th quarter and just how badly Carmelo wants to keep popping 3s to send Argentina home to their beautiful women and great soccer clubs.
Over 196, Argentina +24
Russia v. Spain:
-Spain has looked terrible the entire tournament. I think people just assume they are the worlds number two because they have the Gasol brothers and a couple of guards (rubio not even playing) that get some limelight. That all means nothing, the actually problem with this team is half of it plays European style basketball and the other half plays American style basketball. European style is less physical, more passing and screens, less driving, and a bit quicker with no ball hogs at the 2 or 3. Spain did tank their final game to ensure they wouldnt see USA before the final, but they didnt even look decent any other game. They only beat France because France had a 6.5 minute gap in the 4th quarter without a single point, and only two buckets in the final 8 minutes of the game.
-Russia meanwhile has a rejuvinated AK47 and great guard play. They can play physical or can run and gun. These guys play together more and play more like a team. There is tremendous value on the ML here, but +6 is being pretty generous for a team that could win this thing. The only variable here is Spain playing the games of their olympic lives. No one is doubting this team CAN be the second best team in the world, but after 5 legitimate olympic games they are a massive letdown and should not be in the final.
Russia +6, Russia ML
USA v. Arg
-Rematch just like in the other match. These two teams have an intense rivalry and I think the over is the most safe bet. Revenge is in the air and the edge has to go to Argentina. The US only pulled away in the end of the 3rd quarter in each of their last two matches and I dont expect Argentina to give up again like they did in the finale of their group play. This line seems to be razor sharp as a 22-28 point win is in the band for this matchup. Though I expect it to be a 13-17 point game, the difference may be garbage time in the 4th quarter and just how badly Carmelo wants to keep popping 3s to send Argentina home to their beautiful women and great soccer clubs.
Over 196, Argentina +24