Italy vs Australia Olympic basketball betting tips – Tokyo 2020

Having started their respective campaigns in the best possible fashion, both Italy and Australia are set to match up on Wednesday afternoon at the Tokyo Olympics. BettingSite.com.au presents the best bets and value picks for the match that will help decide who finishes atop Group B.

Italy vs Australia match analysis

Italy are the clear threat to Australia in Group B, but they were made to work for a result against Germany in their opening match at Tokyo 2020. Having trailed 82-80 to the Germans in the final quarter, Italy put on a 12-0 run to round out the game in convincing fashion. Small forward Simone Fontecchio finished the game with 20 points, whilst Danilo Gallinari and Stefano Tonut finished with 18 points each. Interestingly, it was the Italians’ first men’s basketball match at the Olympics since claiming silver at Athens in 2004.

The Boomers put a scrappy first half behind them to put Nigeria away 84-67 with thanks to a Patrick Mills masterclass. The Aussie superstar led his side to victory with 25 points, shooting at 62% from beyond the arc with five three-point shots, while fellow NBA stars Joe Ingles, Dante Exum and Matisse Thybulle offered excellent support. The Boomers will now look to build on their opening performance as they pursue a maiden medal at the Olympics.

Italy vs Australia predictions & best bets

Match line: Australia (-7.5)

The Aussies are the form team in the men’s competition, and that is including the all-conquering Team USA. Led by Mills, alongside Ingles, Exum and Thybulle, this Boomers side is stacked with talent. The likes of Matthew Dellavedova, Chris Goulding and Arron Baynes are proving strong support acts, and the line of -7.5 seems a touch light from online bookmakers, so we are happy to take the $1.90 on offer.

Total match points: Over 173.5

Considering the shooting prowess the Boomers possess, we anticipate this match will be a high-scoring one. The Boomers shot at just 39% against Nigeria and will need to lift against an Italian side boasting some proven NBA players. With the likes of Mills, Ingles and Goulding being top-tier three-point shooters, the Aussies should rack up enough points to push the total to the overs.