Canada vs. Puerto Rico: Preview, Prediction and Odds (July 21, 2024) | Basketball Showcase Game
Canada will meet Puerto Rico on Sunday for another tune-up game. The Canadians served notice about their intention to finish on the podium in the Olympics after dismantling France 85-73 two nights ago. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett will be the main men for the Canadians.
Meanwhile, the Puerto Ricans suffered their second straight loss in exhibition games on Friday. They looked overwhelmed in their 90-75 loss to Australia. The Boomers executed their defensive plan to the letter, forcing New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado to finish the game scoreless. Alvarado, the “Los Gallos” heart and soul hopes to bounce back against the Canadians.
Canada vs. Puerto Rico: preview, prediction and odds
The Canadians and Puerto Ricans will have their showdown at the Co’Met Arena in Orleans, France. Basketball fans can catch the action by subscribing to Courtside 1891, the official channel covering the games.
Moneyline: Canada (-110) vs. Puerto Rico (+105)
Spread: Canada (-10.5) vs. Puerto Rico (+10.5)
Total (O/U): Canada (o161.5 -110) vs. Puerto Rico (u161.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Canada vs Puerto Rico: Game preview
The Canadians nullified France’s overwhelming edge in the paint by concentrating their plays around the perimeter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Andrew Nembhard and even Kelly Olynyk did most of their damage from outside.
The Puerto Ricans will not have Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert swallowing the painted area so the North American team has another area to attack. Expect the Canadians to be more forceful in attacking the interior without the players who finished 1-2 in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year race.
“Los Gallos” coach Nelson Colon has to be worried about his team's response to the Australians’ perimeter pressure. The Boomers relentlessly dogged Jose Alvarado, forcing him to finish their game without a bucket. “GTA” made his presence felt in other areas but the Puerto Ricans badly needed him to score.
Tremont Waters, George Conditt IV and Isaiah Pineiro could not step up when the Aussies forced Alvarado to give up the ball. The bad news for Colon’s team is that the Canadians could dial up even more intense defensive pressure. It will be interesting to see how the Puerto Ricans will adjust if their opponents on Sunday use the same strategy that Australia relied on.
Canada vs. Puerto Rico: Prediction
Anything can happen in basketball even when the disparity in talent and skills looks overwhelming for one side. Team USA nearly suffered an embarrassing defeat against South Sudan before LeBron James prevented that with a game-winner.
The Canadians, after whipping the French, are heavy favorites and likely rolling to a win over “Los Gallos.”