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Canada guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander controls the ball against Spain. We're backing Gilgeous-Alexander in our France vs. Canada Prediction.
Canada guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander controls the ball against Spain. Photo by John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports via Imagn.

Canada's Olympic men's basketball team has a chance to make history, but first it has to get through France and its devastating frontcourt.

While Victor Wembanyama is the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds favorite, our France vs. Canada prediction expects Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to keep showing why he's among the best players in Paris. 

The Canadians sit just behind Team USA in the men's Olympic basketball odds across our best sports betting sites and a win Tuesday at noon ET should bolster their odds.

France vs. Canada predictions for Tuesday

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

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 23.5 points (-105) ⭐⭐⭐
  • RJ Barrett Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists (+100) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks + steals (-150) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prediction: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 23.5 points ⭐⭐⭐

Who would have thunk a kid from Hamilton, Ont., would help change Canada basketball? Gilgeous-Alexander has lived up to the hype in leading Canada's men's basketball team in its first Olympics in 24 years, and he's poised to carry this offense against France.

While Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert are a terrifying frontcourt, Gilgeous-Alexander can attack a flimsy backcourt that plays a rotation of Evan Fournier, Frank Ntilikina, Andrew Albicy, and Matthew Strazel. I don't suspect any of them have the athleticism to keep up with SGA.

Even with Gilgeous-Alexander averaging under 23.5 points (19 PPG), he's been shooting lights out - 58% from the floor - and he's likely going to need to take on a bigger workload in this matchup. Remember, he was third in the NBA in PPG last season (30.1).

These odds pay a $9.52 profit on a $10 winning bet.

Odds: -105 | Implied probability: 51.22%

Prediction: RJ Barrett Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐

For as much attention as SGA has gotten (and deserves), I'm not sure any player on Canada has exceeded expectations more than Barrett. It's not that he wasn't expected to be a big piece of this team, but he's been one of the most impressive players at the Olympics.

Barrett has been an all-around offensive monster, averaging a team-best 21 PPG while chipping in four rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He's already topped 25.5 points, rebounds, and assists in two of three Group A games, and he should be a mismatch against France on the wing.

Again, Wembanyama and Gobert are terrifying inside and should be pouring in points against a weak Canadian frontcourt. I'm expecting a high-scoring game with Barrett and SGA needing to do some heavy offensive lifting.

A $10 winning bet on Barrett to go Over pays a $10 profit.

Odds: +100 | Implied probability: 50%

Prediction: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks + steals ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A legit NBA MVP odds contender heading into his second season in the NBA, Wembanyama has given the world a preview of what's to come as he continues to develop his oozing talent. He's been as good as advertised at the Olympics, putting up 17 PPG and 10.6 RPG.

But it's his defense that's just been jaw-dropping. His length and quickness make me wonder if he was created in a lab by the French to win them gold medals in basketball. He's averaging 2.6 steals and two blocks per game in the Olympics and should clear 3.5 combined for the third time.

Not only is Wemby a mismatch against every team in Paris - except maybe Team USA - but Canada notably lacks stars in its frontcourt. If Kelly Olynyk and Khem Birch try to go toe-to-toe with Wemby, it's going to be a block party.

While these odds are very short, I'm happy to take the $6.67 profit that a $10 winning bet would pay.

Odds: -150 | Implied probability: 60%

France vs. Canada odds & game info

FranceCanada
Moneyline+260-340
Spread+8 (-112)-8 (-112)
Over/UnderOver 163.5 (-108)Under 163.5 (-112)
  • When: Tuesday, Aug. 6
  • Tip-off: Noon ET
  • Where: AccorHotels Arena (Paris)
  • How to watch: CBC (Canada), Peacock (U.S.)
  • Favorite: Canada -8 (-112)

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