United States vs Canada Odds, Predictions & Picks

Head-to-Head: United States vs Canada

United States Team Preview

For the second consecutive World Cup tournament, the United States has failed to reach the finals. They’ll instead compete for bronze after a horrendous defensive performance in their semi-final matchup against Germany.

In their last game, the United States allowed their opponents to score 113 points on 57.7% from the field and 43.3% from deep on 13 made. Despite the individual strength of their frontcourt, the United States allowed 50 points in the paint.  The Americans rarely had control of the game, leading for just 4:36 of the match.

The Americans must adjust their defense against Canada to earn bronze. The Canadians aren’t as aggressive scoring in the paint as Germany, but their efficiency is comparable. Establishing their interior defense will be critical, as Canada’s shooters have been notoriously streaky this tournament.

Key Players & Stats

Incredibly disappointed by their performance in the semi-finals, the United States enter this matchup with eyes on reaching the medals podium as a consolation. The top-scoring team in the tournament, the United States, has averaged 102.6 points per game on 53.8% from the field and 40.4% from three-point range. Their pace of play and athleticism have also led the tournament in two-point field goals with 25.7 per game.

The United States’ most outstanding player through this tournament has been Anthony Edwards, who has averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 threes per game on 48.0% from the field. Tyrese Haliburton is their lead playmaker, averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals on 56.4% shooting from the field.

Despite their semi-final loss, the United States remains the most talented team in the tournament. Their ability to push the break and finish at the rim is unmatched, and Canada lacks the rim protection to stop them.

Canada Team Preview

Canada entered this game, having already achieved historical accomplishments for their basketball program. Regardless of the result, the Canadians have earned their best-ever World Cup finish while qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in over 20 years. They now compete for bronze against a United States side many thought would be the gold medal matchup.

Despite Canada’s brilliant play through the tournament, their defense was exposed in their last match. In their 95-86 semi-final loss to Serbia, Canada allowed their opponents to shoot 62.!% from the field and 71.1% from two-point range for the game. Canada also faced an issue with depth, scoring just 32 points from the bench compared to Serbia’s 30.

Canada was inundated with foul trouble to open their semi-final match, which hampered their play quality throughout the game. Against an aggressive United States side, Canada can't afford to get in foul trouble again. With little rim protection and a switch-averse frontcourt, Canada the odds are against Canada.

Key Players & Stats

Canada enter this bronze medal game as the third-best scoring team in the tournament. They averaged 94.7 points per game on 49.8% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range. Despite their last match, they have some of the tournament’s best ball security with just 11.0 turnovers per contest.

Their statistical leader in most categories has been S. Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian point guard has averaged 23.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.9 assists per game on 64.2% from the field. Backing up his production is young guard R.J. Barrett, who has averaged 15.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while contributing 2.1 threes per game on 44.6% efficiency overall.

Canada boasts some of the world’s best guard play, even up against the United States. The question mark around them is if their big men can be relied upon defensively. Expect the Canadian guards to thrive on the break, but it’ll be all for naught if they can’t reign things in defensively.