Iran vs USA Men's Basketball: Olympic Betting Preview

 Iran vs USA Men's Basketball showdown is more than just a group stage game—it's a chance for Team USA to bounce back after a shocking defeat and for Iran to test their strength against basketball royalty.
 

Iran: Looking to Stay Competitive
 

Iran had a tough opening game, narrowly losing 78-84 to the Czech Republic. Despite the loss, their top players showed promise:

• Hamed Haddadi: 15 points, 10 rebounds

• Mohammad Jamshidi: 16 points, 7 assists

• Behnam Yakhchali: 23 points

The Iranian squad shot a solid 50% from the field, but their 21 turnovers proved costly — something they cannot afford against a powerhouse like the USA.
 

USA: Time to Respond with Authority
 

The USA Men’s Basketball Team, dubbed the "Dream Team," suffered a shocking 76-83 defeat to France, ending a 25-game Olympic winning streak.

Their stars underperformed:

• Kevin Durant: 10 points (4-of-12 shooting)

• Damian Lillard: 11 points (3-of-10)

• Jayson Tatum: 9 points (3-of-9)

• Bam Adebayo was the standout: 12 points, 10 rebounds
   

The team struggled overall with 36% shooting and only 31% from three-point range. There’s reported tension within the squad about the reliance on the Spurs-style system, with players pushing for adjustments.

• Spotlight: Kevin Durant is just 15 points away from tying Carmelo Anthony as the all-time Olympic scorer for Team USA. Expect him to come out firing.
   

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have clashed twice in international competitions, with the USA dominating both times. Their most recent meeting was in the 2010 FIBA World Cup, where Team USA won 88-51, a 37-point margin.

Betting Analysis & Prediction
 

• Spread Bet: USA is likely to cover a large spread, especially after a loss.

• Total Points: Expect a high-scoring affair — USA will want to flex offensively.

• Player Prop Bet: Kevin Durant over on points looks promising, given his milestone chase.

Predicted Score: USA 102–71 Iran