Olympics
2012-08-08 - France vs Spain
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Olympic Basketball : Quarter Finals
Wednesday 8 July 2012 - Tip Off 4:15pm ET
Basketball Preview
There has already been a lot of controversy at this Olympic Games with four badminton teams being thrown out for deliberately trying to lose games and an Algerian runner also being thrown for 'not trying' in a 1500 metre race. There were even some calling for some punishment for Spain's basketball team following their last game.
Spain had already lost to Russia in Group B and faced Brazil in their final Group game knowing the losing team would finish third and avoid having to meet the United States until the Final. Brazil did indeed win the game, but the controversy came about from the fact that Spain were blown out by 15 points in the final quarter, although they have denied deliberately losing as they 'are not afraid of playing any team'.
The loss means Spain finished the Group games with 3 wins and 2 losses and also means they are on the 'weaker' side of the bracket going forward. They would have been disappointed to have lost to Russia, while also recording a very nerve wracking win over Great Britain, although they were much more comfortable in wins over China and Australia.
The team are one of the more talented ones at the Games, but they have not really shown that at the moment and that could be simply because of the nature of the Group games. Now that they have qualified for the Quarter Finals, we could really see Spain raising their game and they will have to if they want to knock off France.
France finished behind the United States in Group A, winning 4 of their 5 games and the only loss coming against the Americans. They were surprise winners over Argentina, one of the favourites to finish in the Medal positions, while recording very close wins over Lithuania, Tunisia and Nigeria. Those last three wins were recorded by a combined 18 points.
Tony Parker is still the key to this French team, but there are other talented players in the rotation that can make life difficult for Spain. The biggest issue for France is whether they have enough to deal with the Gasol brothers, especially when it comes to defence and that could be the key to the entire game.
They have shown toughness in bouncing back from the blowout loss to the United States to open their tournament, but France will need to be on their toes against a Spain side that is looking to make some of their critics eat their words. The teams actually met in the Final of Eurobasket 2011 and saw Spain come out with a three point win.
Prediction
This could be a very entertaining game between two teams that will feel their path is clear to reach the Gold Medal game.
Spain almost sleepwalked through the Group stage and I think they were quite content to finish third in the Group as soon as they were beaten by Russia. Their fourth quarter collapse against Brazil has been heavily criticised, and rightly so, but I think those critics may just have fired up the team to put in a couple of big performances to reach the Final.
France are no pushovers, but they may struggle to contain the Gasol brothers in this one and may be over reliant on Tony Parker who hasn't looked himself as he has been playing in goggles after suffering an injury between the end of the NBA season and the start of the Olympics.
Parker may find himself feeling the pressure to keep the French in the game and that may lead to taking bad shots or making poor decisions, all events that could give Spain the chance to cover this spread.
The last time the teams met saw a close finish, but I'll take Spain to cover the spread this time.
The Pick :
France 71-78 Spain
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Spain -5.5 points @ 1.90
