It’s one-way traffic for the United States women’s basketball team in the 2022 FIBA World Cup betting markets.
Team USA is at ridiculously skinny odds to win and the next-best country in basketball betting markets is China at +1400.
Taking home the World Cup seems likely, but FIBA rules can trip up the Americans from time to time.
Records Being Set
Team USA has been ruthless so far throughout the World Cup and it’s likely to continue into the knockout stages.
It started the tournament with an 87-72 win over Belgium, which was a pass mark. However, it followed it up with devastating wins over Puerto Rico, China, South Korea and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 145-69 win over South Korea was the biggest margin of victory of all-time, so it sets a precedent for the rest of the tournament.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a team that can score the basketball like this,” A’ja Wilson told The Guardian. “This is crazy, we put up 145 points. I think when you look at us and just knowing how talented we are, we just came together and we play together very, very well.”
The Americans also scored 121 points in their most recent game and there doesn’t seem to be any slowing down. However, bettors are finding it tough to find value with its betting online odds.
The Americans are favored by 31½ points over Serbia in the opening game of the knockout stage on Wednesday night.
Bookmakers have Team USA at -2000 to win the tournament, which is short. We would include them in basketball parlays.
- Pick: Team USA -2000
Can China Bounce Back?
It has been an incredible tournament for China despite its loss to Team USA. It is 4-1 after scoring easy victories and they could turn the tables.
China only lost by 14 points to the Americans, so there is room for improvement and it was able to beat the likes of South Korea and Puerto Rico by big margins.
There is no reason why China can’t bounce back and beat Team USA in the finals, so the generous +1400 World Cup odds could be worth snapping up.
China plays France in the quarterfinals on Thursday morning. France finished fourth in its division behind Australia, so it should be a comfortable entry into the semifinals. China is listed as 13½-point favorites over France.
- Pick: China +1400
Australia Making Claim
Despite losing its most recent game to France, the Australians shouldn’t be overlooked as World Cup-winning hopefuls.
The Aussies didn’t need to beat France to qualify atop its division, so excuse the 70-57 defeat and go on its previous form, which saw it defeat Mali 118-58.
It also scored wins over Serbia, Canada and Japan, so the form is there and the +1600 odds are generous.
Australia faces Belgium in the quarters on Thursday morning, so it’s not an easy opponent, but the odds to win the event should firm following the victory. The Aussies are -13½ against Belgium
Finishing at the top of the group means Australia won’t face Team USA until the final, so that’s excellent news for bettors.
- Pick: Australia +1500
