The United States did not qualify for the men’s 3×3 basketball competition at the Tokyo Olympics, while Latvia won the gold medal. This time around, the Americans will be in the competition, while several nations will look to jump to the top of the podium this time around. Here, we look at the Olympic 3×3 men’s basketball competition, the top medal contenders, and whether Team USA can claim the gold this time around.
Olympic 3×3 Men’s Basketball Betting Odds
| Team | Gold Medal Odds |
| Serbia | +190 |
| USA | +210 |
| France | +450 |
| Latvia | +550 |
| Netherlands | +800 |
| Lithuania | +1000 |
| China | +2000 |
| Poland | +3000 |
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook
Instead of the United States, it is Serbia that sits at the top of the list of favorites in 3×3 men’s basketball at the Olympic Games. But the USA isn’t far behind, sitting in second in that department. All but two of the teams in this competition are at +1000 or shorter odds to win the gold medal, though, as this competition is completely wide open as the teams get ready to hit the court in Paris.
Olympic 3×3 Men’s Basketball Major Storylines
The United States making its Olympic debut in this format is the biggest storyline going into the Olympics, at least from an American standpoint. They are led by Jimmer Fredette, whose career in traditional basketball didn’t go the way he’d hoped, but who has found a nice second act in 3×3. Fredette is the second-ranked individual 3×3 basketball player in the men’s game and the US will need him to score early and often for them to knock off the rest of their competition.
Another American storyline going into this competition is the distinct lack of NBA talent on the USA roster. While players are supposed to have some sort of 3×3 experience to play in the Olympics, the fact that the United States has not put any NBA players into any offseason competitions to make them eligible is troubling. The country may well win gold, but they clearly do not prioritize this format of basketball.
Meanwhile, Serbia’s roster will be a key storyline throughout this tournament as well. They have four of the top-10 players individually in 3×3 men’s basketball. They are the favorites here for a reason and they will look to back up their performances in World Cups, where they have won two straight tournaments and five of their last six.
Olympic 3×3 Men’s Basketball Medal Contenders
The aforementioned American and Serbian teams are the top contenders to come away with the gold medal in Paris. But there are several other teams in medal contention as well, all of whom could also win gold. France is playing on home soil and should have the backing of the crowds at the 3×3 basketball venue. Meanwhile, Latvia is coming off of a gold medal run in the last Olympics in this event and could always conjure up another one.
At slightly longer odds to win the gold are Netherlands and Lithuania. The Dutch are not known for their prowess in 5×5 basketball, but they did finish fifth in the last Olympics and at each of the last two World Cups. Meanwhile, Lithuania finished second in the 2022 World Cup and will look to impress at their first Olympics in the 3×3 game.
3×3 Men’s Basketball Betting Prediction: Serbia (+190)
While the United States is a superpower in the sport of basketball, they are not bringing their best to the 3×3 competition in men’s basketball. Instead, we will go with Serbia to get the job done, as they have proven that they are the best team in the world in this sport and they should be able to do so with Olympic gold on the line.
