Team USA vs. Australia: The best player prop bets for the Olympic semifinal

After trailing by 10 points late in the first half against Spain, Team USA rallied in the second half to defeat the Spaniards 95-81, narrowly covering the 12.5-point spread for the game. As overwhelming favorites getting the majority of the money, it was a nice win for the Americans and their supporters.

While Ricky Rubio was outstanding for Spain and led all scorers with 38 points, it wasn’t enough as the U.S. advanced to the semi-finals where they will take on Australia. The Aussies, or "Boomers" as they’re known endearingly by fans, were the tournament’s second favorite at the beginning of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

We’ve examined the matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

Kevin Durant Over/Under 23.5 Points

In the second half of each of the last two Team USA games, 3-point shooting and Kevin Durant have ignited the U.S.'s decisive pullaways. KD has had every reason to start slowly given the relatively lesser competition and lack of urgency to win each game. Now that he is Team USA’s all-time leading scorer on this stage and we are in the elimination round, he appears to have elevated his game.

Durant is one of the very best players in the world and is demonstrating that he can take over a game at any level and lead his team to victory. Let’s bet the Over on Durant’s point total as he should continue to see the offense run through him.

Pick: Over 23.5 points (-113)

Bam Adebayo Over/Under 5.5 rebounds

When Team USA was constructed, the hope was that 3-point shooting and an open, flowing basketball style would overpower all of the U.S.'s opponents. After a few games to get their rhythm, that strategy appears to be working. Against Spain, Team USA shot an impressive 40.6% from deep, a number that would surely propel them to victory against Australia as well.

The Australian team has plenty of NBA talent on its roster that will be familiar to Team USA. Durant’s future Brooklyn Nets teammate, Patty Mills, is the leader of a team that also includes Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, and Dante Exum. With Aron Baynes injured and unavailable, this lineup is a bit undersized even against a Team USA roster that is fairly small by traditional NBA lineup standards. Look for Team USA starting center Bam Adebayo to post the Over on his rebounds total.

Pick: Over 5.5 rebounds (-112)

Devin Booker Over/Under 10.5 points

Thybulle will presumably draw the assignment of slowing down Durant, but even as elite as Thybulle it is, that will be a tall task. Don’t be surprised if Durant shows frustration early if he isn’t able to trap the young Aussie into foul trouble.

But beyond Thybulle and Durant, players like Ingles, Exum, and Mills will have a very difficult time staying caught up with some of the other options Team USA has in Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum. This is a big guard roster for Team USA, and they are all more than capable of winning any one on one matchup. Look for Devin Booker to get plenty of opportunities, and to score more than 11 points against the Aussies.

Pick: Over 10.5 points (-118)

Team USA will cruise to the gold medal game

Team USA got off to a rocky start in this Olympic cycle, but they have now covered the spread in three straight games and appear willing to defer to Durant’s greatness while letting it fly from deep when he experiences traffic. Look for them to move on to the gold medal game with an easy win, and for several Team USA player prop overs to cash on their way to victory.