2016 Olympics Rio

What a cluster this will be

US pounds Argentina in Olympic tune-up

Full of new star power, the U.S. men's basketball team opened its bid for a third straight Olympic gold medal with a 111-74 exhibition romp over Argentina on Friday night.

A U.S. team that hasn't lost a game in 10 years had little trouble with Argentina, which some consider a medal contender in Rio. Paul George scored 14 first-half points, Kevin Durant added 12, and the U.S. blew open the game early before an appreciative crowd on the Las Vegas Strip.

Even with Kobe Bryant retired and LeBron James taking this Olympics off, there was no real talent drop off on a team heavily favored to win gold once again. The depth of the U.S. showed as coach Mike Krzyzewski rotated players in and out, searching for the right combinations on a team with 10 new players from 2012.

''Nothing is for sure,'' Durant said. ''We want to get this gold and right now we have a job to do. We have to prepare the right way.''

The game was the first of five exhibitions the U.S. will play before traveling to Rio to defend the gold medal. The U.S. team has spent the last week practicing in Las Vegas in preparation for the tour and the games.

For Durant the game was a chance to play with a pair of his new Golden State teammates, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. It was also a chance for Durant and Carmelo Anthony - the only two players from the 2012 team - to demonstrate that this will be their team in Rio.

Both players cheered from the bench as the minutes were spread around, jumping up to clap for teammates. Every U.S. player got quality time, with Green's 12 minutes the least played by any American.

''We're going to have fun and we're going to enjoy ourselves,'' Anthony said. ''If it's not fun it's not worth it. We're going to enjoy ourselves but at the same time we're going to be focused in trying to get that gold medal.''

Durant finished as the game's high scorer with 23 points, while George had 18 and Carmelo Anthony 17. Andres Nocioni had 15 for Argentina, while Manu Ginobili added 11 for Argentina, which lost to the U.S. in the semifinals of the 2012 Olympics.

Though at times little defense was played, there was plenty of offense to keep the crowd at the new T-Mobile Arena happy. The teams combined to put up 70 3-point attempts, 41 of them from the U.S.

Oddsmakers had made the U.S. a prohibitive 29.5-point favorite in what at times looked a lot like an NBA All-Star game. But while the U.S. team is loaded with 12 NBA players, the Argentines had only three on their roster and the talent difference showed.

While the team is full of new players, the gold medal run will be the last for Krzyzewski, the national coach for the last decade. His teams have lost only one game during his reign, which will end after the Olympics with San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich taking over.

AP NEWS

One exception..The Russians!   LOL

Olympic betting is back in Las Vegas sportsbooks and operators couldn't be happier
By PATRICK EVERSON

Spend a day hanging out at the betting windows of any sportsbook around Las Vegas, and you’re bound to overhear patrons asking all kinds of interesting questions, often about what they can and cannot wager on.

“I hate to have something where people ask, ‘Hey, can you bet on this?’ And we have to say, ‘No, we’re not allowed to take bets on that,’” said Chris Andrews, director of the South Point sportsbook.

But since the 1990s, that’s been the case when it comes to the Olympics. Until this year, that is.

Thanks to a conglomerate of representatives from several operations – the South Point, CG Technology, William Hill US, Wynn Las Vegas and others – the Olympics return to the betting board for the 2016 Summer Games, which begin Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After the Nevada Gaming Control Board worked out a memorandum of understanding with the International Olympic Committee in January 2014, the group of sportsbook operators began its efforts with the board to get Olympic events back on the betting menu.

In February 2015, those efforts paid off, with the board unanimously approving the regulation. It was a big step in the right direction, according to Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports at the Wynn.

“We thought the Olympics had some merit, because there were some important games we wanted to have, for sure – basketball, hockey, events that are heavily watched, even in our books,” Avello said, noting that offshore and overseas books have long taken Olympic action. “We didn’t want to be at a competitive disadvantage.”

Added Jay Kornegay, vice president of race and sports for the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook: “We were in favor of it obviously, because it gives us more events. The more events, the better.”

In the case of the Summer Games, there is heavy interest in basketball, particularly with the NBA-laden USA men’s team, but sports such as track and field, swimming, soccer and volleyball also draw some action. And the timing is great, because there will be betting options every day for more than two weeks during what is generally a slow time at the books – although this year, the Olympics coincide with the opening of NFL preseason play.

“It’s very quiet, there’s not a lot of other things to bet on, it’s just the dog days of baseball. So it’s going to increase the betting menu a great deal,” CG vice president of risk management Jason Simbal said, while reiterating Andrews’ point. “Two years ago, when the Winter Olympics were happening, we were actually getting questions from people who couldn’t figure out why they couldn’t bet them. This is definitely something we think will increase the foot traffic in the book, and it’s gonna be a fun 30 seconds when you’re watching a race or whatever. And we think people will bet on that stuff.”

All that said, don’t expect the sportsbooks to go too crazy. You probably won’t be able to get down on eight-men rowing or trampoline or dressage, though there might be a surprise offering or two.

“We have to be real careful,” Avello said, noting he already has futures odds on men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s soccer. “I’m gonna do more. I’m starting to put together ones that are going to be most interesting to our players.”

Among those will likely be track events such as the 100-meter dash, with Jamaican sensation Usain Bolt again the feature attraction on the men’s side. Women’s gymnastics is also a huge Olympics favorite, but Avello is proceeding with caution there, because the competition is based on judging, rather than the black-and-white of a score or a time. He said he might seek the Gaming Control Board’s advice on whether certain events – even wildly popular ones – should be on the board.

Andrews has a handful of offerings so far at the South Point, including a proposition on Bolt winning the men’s 100-meter dash, with yes at -190 and no at +170.

Kornegay’s Superbook, long renowned for its prop bet menus, already has a few pages of offerings, including: over/under props on total gold medals for several countries, with the U.S. leading the way at 41.5; and futures odds on more than a dozen team events, with the U.S. men’s basketball juggernaut a -800 chalk to again claim gold. Kornegay said there will be more to come, though the menu won’t be too overwhelming.

“We’ll just see how much time allows to post these events,” he said, noting the success of the U.S. in any given event – team or individual – will also play a big role in what gets posted. “I think the Olympics are more a watching event than a betting event, but sports that are popular will certainly get some attention. Individual games (i.e. Team USA men’s basketball) will get attention.”

Olympics betting is nothing new for offshore sites such as Bookmaker.eu, which will have an assortment of offerings. Odds consultant Scott Cooley specifically cited men’s soccer, in which longshots Mexico and Colombia are drawing significant action. Mexico opened at 24/1 and Colombia at 20/1, and both are now at 16/1.

“The Olympics have always been on our wagering board. It’s actually a big draw during a slow time in the sports season,” Cooley said, adding bettors who do their homework can definitely find some value. “I wouldn’t say the action is significant, but it certainly helps out during the stagnant months, when everyone is gearing up for football.”

None of the Vegas sportsbooks expect to earn a gold medal in betting handle from the Olympics. More than anything, book operators just wanted a say in adding interesting options that patrons sought on the betting menu.

“I just don’t like being told we can’t,” Andrews said. “It’s not gonna make or break our business, but I think it was the right decision, yes. I’m glad we can actually book the Olympics.”

Odds (7/31)


Novak DJOKOVIC 10/11
Andy MURRAY 5/2
Stan WAWRINKA 12/1
Rafael NADAL 14/1
Kei NISHIKORI 20/1
Marin CILIC 40/1
Juan Martin del POTRO 50/1
Jo-Wilfried TSONGA 50/1
Gael MONFILS 50/1
David FERRER 80/1
Grigor DIMITROV 100/1
David GOFFIN 100/1
Philipp KOHLSCHREIBER 150/1
Gilles SIMON 150/1
Steve JOHNSON 150/1
Borna CORIC 150/1



On the women’s side, Serena Williams is hoping to repeat as champion after coming off a dominant performance at Wimbledon. Losing just one set in the entire tournament, Williams finished off Angelique Kerber in the finals to tie Steffi Graf for first with 22 Grand Slam titles in the open era.

Kerber is also having a great season, though. In addition to her second place finish at Wimbledon, she won her first grand slam this January at the Australian Open. She provides some great value at 10/1 compared to Serena’s near even-money payout.

Garbine Muguruza, the third seed in the tournament, has the second best odds at 5/1. Muguruza is coming off a disappointing Wimbledon in which she lost in the second round. However, she beat Serena Williams this year at the French Open to take home her first career major.

Some notable names to withdraw from the women’s tournament include: Simona Halep (health concerns), Victoria Azarenka (pregnancy), and Belinda Bencic (wrist).



Serena WILLIAMS 6/5
Garbine MUGURUZA 5/1
Angelique KERBER 10/1
Petra KVITOVA 12/1
Agnieszka RADWANSKA 16/1
Madison KEYS 20/1
Sloane STEPHENS 50/1
Venus WILLIAMS 50/1
Johanna KONTA 60/1
Dominika CIBULKOVA 60/1
Timea BACSINSZKY 60/1
Ana IVANOVIC 80/1
Carla SUAREZ NAVARRO 80/1
Eugenie BOUCHARD 80/1
Lucie SAFAROVA 80/1
Elina SVITOLINA 100/1



Both tournaments will take place throughout the first week of the Olympics, with the women’s final taking place on Saturday the 13th and the men’s final taking place the following day

Rio 2016 Olympics betting preview and odds: Men's basketball

As it has for the past quarter-century, the Olympic men’s basketball tournament boils down to the U.S. vs. the world - and the Americans once again have a significant pre-tournament advantage.

The powerhouse U.S. team rolled to the 2012 final in London, then held off a furious charge by the Spaniards for its second consecutive gold medal. Four years later, the gap between the Americans and the rest of the world may have grown even wider.

Oddsmakers certainly believe that’s the case, having made the U.S. team a whopping -2,000 favorite - well up from the -700 play the Americans were going into the 2012 Games. And when you take a look at the roster, it’s clear why the U.S. side has an overwhelming edge.

The team is led by new Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant, who is joined by teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Star power abounds, with Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Toronto Raptors teammates Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes, Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George and Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan round out the 12-man roster.

Does any team have a shot at upsetting the two-time Olympic champions? Here’s a look at the top contenders:

2016-17 NBA rookies not included in NBA player tally

Spain

Odds to win the gold: +1,100
Odds to medal: -150
Number of current or former NBA players: 8

The two-time defending silver medallist, no team has a better chance at making history in Rio than a Spanish side boasting a terrific mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy. Pau Gasol is the lynch pin of the offence, while Ricky Rubio should make things difficult for foes in the backcourt.

The key for Spain will be its production from the swing positions, where Rudy Fernandez and Juan Carlos Ferraro are the expected starters. Both players had brief careers in the NBA, but could be in tough against teams with more skill and experience at those positions.

France

Odds to win the gold: +1,700
Odds to medal: +110
Number of current or former NBA players: 7

The French needed to win an Olympic qualifying event this summer to book their ticket to Rio, but is in great shape to reach the medal round thanks to a three-headed NBA attack. Veteran point guard Tony Parker, center Rudy Gobert and forward Nicolas Batum give this roster legitimacy and star power.

The most important role on the team, however, may belong to Boris Diaw, who brings leadership and winning pedigree. His game is suited to international competition, and he’ll need to be at his best, given that his backups - Florent Piteous and Kim Tillie - won’t be able to handle skilled power forwards.

Serbia

Odds to win the gold: +2,500
Odds to medal: +150
Number of current or former NBA players: 3

The Serbians haven’t medaled at the Olympics in 20 years, but are in their strongest position to do so since recording a second-place finish at the 1996 Olympic tournament in Atlanta.

Serbia’s frontcourt is the major strength, with former NBA player Miroslav Raduljica joined by Denver Nuggets phenom Nikola Jokic. Sacramento Kings prospect Bogdan Bogdanovic anchors a young but potentially explosive backcourt.

Brazil

Odds to win the gold: +3,000
Odds to medal: +350
Number of current or former NBA players: 6

The home side will be making its 16th Olympic appearance, and is looking at securing its first medal since claiming bronze at the 1964 Games in Tokyo. A fifth-place finish at the 2012 event in London should have confidence high.

Though the Brazilians are light on NBA experience, they do have Leandro Barbosa anchoring the backcourt and Nene Hilario leading the big men. A well-balanced roster combined with home-court advantage should help.

Lithuania

Odds to win the gold: +3,300
Odds to medal: +400
Number of current or former NBA players: 1

The Lithuanians are riding high following a second-place performance at the 2015 EuroBasket tournament, and enter the Olympic tournament behind only the United States and Spain in the FIBA World Ranking.

While the team is light on NBA experience - center Jonas Valanciunas is the only player on the roster who has appeared in a game - the team is tight-knit, and features four regulars from Lithuanian league powerhouse BC Zalgiris.

Argentina

Odds to win the gold: +4,000
Odds to medal: +500
Number of current or former NBA players: 6

Argentina is the last team to win an Olympic title other than the U.S., and enters this tournament ranked fourth in the world. The Argentinians are well-positioned to challenge for a medal after placing fourth in 2012.

Legendary shooting guard Manu Ginobili and power forward Luis Scola form the core of this team, which includes former NBA role players Carlos Delfina and Andres Nocioni. But the loss of Tiago Splitter to a hip injury hurts a lot.

Croatia

Odds to win the gold: +5,000
Odds to medal: +700
Number of current or former NBA players: 2

Rio marks just the third Olympic appearance for the Croatian side, which won silver in 1992 but hasn’t finished any higher than sixth since. But with two solid NBA players on the roster, Croatia could be primed to make some noise.

Shooting is this team’s forte, with NBA players Bojan Bogdanovic and Mario Hezonja both capable of filling the net. Highly touted power forward Dario Saric and former NBA guard Roko Ukic should provide solid support.

Olympic football betting preview and odds: Can Brazil win gold on home soil?

Excitement is building ahead of the 31st Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this summer, with the world’s biggest sporting event set to take centre stage once again. Football may be the most popular game on the planet, but it must share the limelight with some ‘smaller’ sports in what promises to be another amazing summer spectacle.

Running from August 3-20, with 16 teams competing for the medals, the action will take place in five other locations across the country; Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Sao Paulo and Manaus, and in seven stadia.

While all sides will field under-23 squads, a maximum of three older players may be selected. Here is our betting preview, featuring six sides with varying possibilities of success.

Brazil – Even

Having hosted the Confederations Cup and World Cup in the last three years, winning and reaching the semi finals in those respective competitions, Brazil are very much used to a party atmosphere and are rightly favourites here.

While the majority of their squad are based at home, three big hitters, in the shape of Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, their talisman, Barcelona’s Neymar, and Lazio star Felipe Anderson could inspire them.

Santos midfielder Thiago Maia is just 19 years of age and a real star in the making who Brazil will also look to, while striker Gabriel Jesus will use the tournament as a way of furthering his impressive reputation.

The Selecao may not offer much value, but they are the safest bet for victory.

Argentina – 6/1

Gold winners in Beijing eight years ago, La Albiceleste will fancy their chances of a repeat this time around. Spearheaded by Atletico Madrid striker Angel Correa and PSG’s latest signing Giovani Lo Celso, they will hope to avenge the senior side’s disappointments in final defeats in the World Cup and Copa America since 2014.

While alongside Portugal in Group D, Argentina should progress with ease, given the talent in their squad. Jonathan Calleri, of Sao Paulo and a former Boca Juniors star, will likely shine too, while West Ham fans will have an eye on Manuel Lanzini.

Germany 7/1

Die Mannschaft are unlikely to go home without a fight in Brazil, having enjoyed success at all levels in recent years, including in the World Cup just two years ago.

Of all the teams in the tournament, Germany arguably have the strongest first eleven, with a real spine to their side. Schalke 04 attacking midfielder Max Meyer will grab most of the headlines alongside Sven and Lars Bender, but Niklas Sule is a towering centre half who will prove tough to get past, while striker Nils Petersen scored 21 goals in 32 games for Freiburg last season.

Arsenal’s speedy and imposing winger Serge Gnabry will also provide another attacking and tactical option. As always, sensible money is on the Germans to go far.

Colombia 16/1

There has been quite a lot of excitement surrounding Colombian football since their impressive World Cup in 2014, when they reached the quarter finals.

While not amongst the red-hot favourites, there is definitely something in a flutter on them, with a nucleus of talented young players being added to by experienced striker Teo Gutierrez.

Their squad may not be filled with household names, but they could do some damage in the games and an each-way bet could well be worth it.

Mexico – 22/1

When they met a star-studded Brazil side in the final at Wembley four years ago, few expected Mexico to prevail, but they did so with a 2-1 victory.

Defending gold will prove tough, but with Hirving Lozano, a 20-year-old striker from Pachuca supposedly interesting Manchester United, in their ranks, they will be confident of making a big splash.

An early clash with Germany in Group C will determine how far they can go, while also facing Fiji and South Korea.

Despite their lengthy odds, there could be something going for a bet on them.

Nigeria 25/1

One of three African qualifiers, Nigeria are the side most likely to cause a threat to the more established tournament nations. Despite the senior side’s failure to reach the African Cup of Nations in 2017, the under-23s will benefit immensely from the inclusion of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Up front, 19-year-old Roma forward Umar Sadiq is a bright talent, with the Super Eagles being drawn in Group B alongside Sweden, Colombia and Japan

An unlikely winner? Perhaps not, but they are no pushovers.

Others

Amongst the other ten sides, Sweden, winners of the European title at under-21 level last time, will be a side to keep an eye on at 25/1, while South Korea (66/1), Japan (40/1) and Colombia (16/1) will also provide good representation for Asia and South America respectively. Honduras, Iraq (both 150/1) and Fiji (1000/1) are among the outsiders, as Portugal (10/1) look to continue their senior side’s success. Algeria (50/1) and South Africa (80/1) complete the line up.

Good value bets:

Argentina to score most goals 9/1

Mexico to beat Germany in opening game 21/10

Colombia to get a medal 11/4

Sweden to get a medal 7/2

Mexico to to win 22/1