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Belgium power forward Emma Meesseman controls the ball against United States power forward Alyssa Thomas. We're backing Meesseman in our Belgium vs. Australia Prediction.
Belgium power forward Emma Meesseman controls the ball against United States power forward Alyssa Thomas. Photo by John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports via Imagn.

Few players have dominated the Olympics like Emma Meesseman.

Now she a chance to help lead Belgium to its first medal in Olympic women's basketball when it takes on Australia in the bronze medal game Sunday at 5:30 a.m. ET.

Despite the Aussies being a 1.5-point favorite across our best sports betting sites, we expect Meesseman to put up a strong fight as we dive into our Belgium vs. Australia prediction, odds, and expert picks.

Belgium vs. Australia predictions for Sunday's bronze medal game

Belgium vs. Australia odds via our best sports betting apps; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

  • Sami Whitcomb Over 2.5 made 3-pointers (-105) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Emma Meesseman Over 21.5 points (-135) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Julie Vanloo Over 18.5 points + assists (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prediction: Sami Whitcomb Over 2.5 made 3-pointers ⭐⭐⭐

Having not medaled in Olympic women's basketball since 2012, Australia is going to need a big performance out of Sami Whitcomb to change its fortune. The 36-year-old guard hasn't let her age show in Paris, and has been the Boomers most consistent 3-point shooter, which will come in handy against Belgium.

In four of five games, Belgium has allowed at least seven made 3-pointers and in three of five games its opponent has taken 22-plus threes. That means Whitcomb will likely have the green light to attack from deep.

Having hit Over 2.5 threes in two of fives games, expect her to take enough shots against Belgium to do it again. If she does, a $10 bet pays a $9.52 profit.

Odds: -105 | Implied probability: 51.22%

Prediction: Emma Meesseman Over 21.5 points ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Everyone knows Team USA is loaded with hall of famers, but there's a legitimate argument that Meesseman has been the best player in Paris. The former WNBA All-Star may not be playing pro in America anymore, but it's clear she could still dominate the W if she wanted to.

Meesseman's size and skill have been a complete mismatch for defenses throughout the tournament and her threat as a passer has only made it easier for her to get buckets.

She's averaging a whopping 23.4 PPG while shooting 59.7% from the floor. Meesseman is also rarely coming off the court, playing 36 minutes per game and she's crossed 21.5 points in three of five games.

Given the loaded Team USA roster couldn't slow her down - she put up 24 in 38 minutes against A'ja Wilson and Co. - I don't expect Australia to. A $10 winning bet on Meesseman pays a $7.41 profit.

Odds: -135 | Implied probability: 57.45%

Prediction: Julie Vanloo Over 18.5 points + assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What makes this Belgium team so dangerous is the combo of Meesseman and Julie Vanloo. Vanloo is riding the momentum of an impressive first season in the WNBA into the Olympics and has averaged 11.6 PPG and 6.0 APG.

She's twice crossed 18.5 combined points and assists, and should be positioned to again against Australia thanks to the sheer amount of playing time she's seeing. Like Meesseman, Vanloo doesn't sit on the bench much and played 41 minutes in Belgium's semifinal loss to France.

Averaging 34.6 MPG, expect her to once again spend most of the game on the court. Her passing is her biggest asset, and with Meesseman inside, Vanloo is poised to rack up apples. A $10 winning bet pays an $8.70 profit.

Odds: -115 | Implied probability: 53.49%

Belgium vs. Australia odds & game info

BelgiumAustralia
Moneyline+105-125
Spread+1.5 (-110)-1.5 (-110)
Over/UnderOver 147.5 (-110)Under 147.5 (-110)
  • When: Sunday, Aug. 11
  • Tip-off: 5:30 a.m. ET
  • Where: AccorHotels Arena (Paris)
  • How to watch: Peacock (streaming)
  • Favorite: Australia -1.5 (-110)

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