After a couple of terrific games, a couple of not so terrific games and a so-so performance by the USA, the intensity grows with the game 2 match ups.

Gold medal-minded Spain gets the Boomers and Argentina goes head to head with France in a key group A match up.

NIGERIANS GET FOCUSED

Lithuania vs Nigeria 31/7/2012 11:30 pm AEST

The big three for Argentina made it a long night for Lithuania as Ginobili, Scola and Delfino combined for 73 points and the Lithuanians turned the ball over 16 times.

The Nigerians on the other hand came out as cocky as I’ve seen an Olympic squad in a long time and then proceeded to blow a 19 point lead and survived a late run at the end of the game to escape with a 4 point victory against Tunisia.

Tunisia shot horribly in the first half against Nigeria scoring only 15 points.

They were probably a little bit nervous. Lithuania is not going to have as difficult a time defending the Nigerians as did the Argentineans in this contest, but I expect the Nigerians to be much more focused.

Look for this to be a high scoring affair with the Nigerians eventually sneaking inside the start.

Pick: Nigeria +9 @ 1.90 Over the Total 162 @ 1.90

SAMBA BOYS

Great Britain vs Brazil 1/8/2012 1:45 am AEST

What is wrong with the Brits? After an unimpressive warm up leading up to the Olympics they were absolutely horrible in their opening round game against the Russians.

This team should be far more representative than they have been with Luol Deng and Pops Mansa-Bonsu on the squad but let’s face it they have been absolutely horrible.

I just can’t back this team after their 20 point blow out by the Russians, as things aren’t going to be any easier against the Brazilians.

Pick: Brazil -12.5 @ 1.90

MANU MANU MANU

France vs Argentina 1/8/2012 5:00 am AEST

The interesting thing in this game is we have the two San Antonio Spurs superstars going up against one another. Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker will be battling it out in what should be a hotly contested game.

I sang the praises of the French at the start of this tournament but the USA showed the other squads the blueprint for toppling them. The key is to take the ball out of Tony Parker’s hands and then the French are lost.

Against lessor teams this might not be the case, but against a loaded Argentina bunch, I expect a Manu Ginobili-led victory for Argentina.

PIck: Argentina -4 @ 1.90

TUNISIA TO COVER

USA vs Tunisia 1/8/2012 7:15 am AEST

Question: What do you think the score of this game will be? Answer: Whatever the USA wants it to be. After the way the USA handled the French with ease the other night, I can’t make a case for Tunisia. I mean, I can’t really make a case for taking anyone against them.

It does however depend on the point spread. Now I saw this game as low as -46.5 for about 15 minutes until the punters realized it was available for betting and now it’s up to -53.5.

This will be a great game to get all the spectacular dunking photos you possibly can. A court side seat would be ideal because if the USA decides to take the ball inside we will see a dunking exhibition like we’ve don’t even see at the NBA slam dunk contest.

All that being said, odds makers are not stupid, so I’ll take a shot with Tunisia and hold my nose!

Pick: Tunisia +53.5 @ 1.90

Todays Money Multis:

Argentina -4 @ 1.90 Over the Total 154.5 @ 1.90

Australia +13.5 @ 1.90 Under the Total 154 @ 1.90

Nigeria +9 @ 1.90 Over the Total 162 @ 1.90

Olympic Record: 3-3

Multi Record: 3-3

As always we would love to hear from you so please leave your comments or tips!

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