2024 Olympic Women’s Basketball: USA vs. Belgium Odds, Predictions & Picks

The USWNT easily defeated Japan in its opener. While Belgium won the second half against Germany, they were so far behind after the first that they still lost. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Fans can watch it on the USA Network or stream it via the Peacock app or at NBCOlympics.com.

After winning their 56th consecutive Olympic game, Team USA is a heavy favorite to make it 57 in a row on Thursday afternoon. Let’s take a look at the betting odds for USA vs. Belgium.

Betting Odds for Women’s Basketball Summer Olympics, USA vs. Belgium on August 1

Team USA had little trouble taking down Japan in its opener despite not having Caitlin Clark on the roster (who one fan seemed to think Team USA needed). A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart led the way as the team won 102-76, easily covering the 20.5-point spread.

Belgium, however, had a much tougher time against Germany, losing 83-69. They looked nothing like the team that gave Team USA a run for its money when they met in the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Here is the Betting Line for USA vs. Belgium

Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Head to BetMGM to place your bets! If you want to try BetMGM, you can use bonus code WSNSPORTS and Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

USA vs. Belgium Preview

This game is not the first time the USWNT has faced the Belgium Women's National Team. Over the years, they have squared off on four occasions, the most recent being in the Olympic Qualifying tournament (Feb. 8, 2024). The USA needed a late basket to salvage a two-point win.

Belgium has yet to defeat the U.S. in women's basketball but has won the last two against the spread. The OVER is 3-1.

USA Preview

The concern heading into the Olympics for Team USA is, of course, the lack of playing and practice time for the team. Even though the squad is comprised of the best players the WNBA has to offer, that doesn't mean they'll jell and play like a well-oiled machine from the start (if at all).

It certainly looked that way early on, as Japan only trailed by five late in the second quarter. But the team eventually calmed down, and the game slowly began to look as expected. The size differential became apparent, and a close contest became a rout.

A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart took charge on the scoring front, scoring 24 and 22 points, respectively. Wilson also chipped in 13 rebounds.

The near loss to Belgium in the qualifiers will likely be in the back of the minds of Team USA's players. If the same mistakes ae made in this game as that, an upset is possible, even if it is improbable.

Bet on USA at BetMGM

Belgium Preview

Belgium probably felt pretty good heading into the Olympics. They played a great game against the U.S. in February, nearly recording the upset of the century. Leading up to the games, they played six games over roughly a month (June 28 to July 21) and went undefeated with wins over Japan, China, Canada, Spain, and Serbia.

But then they met Germany in their Olympic opener.

The shots just didn't fall. Unlike the near win over the U.S., where they were 12 of 29 from three-point range, they only made five of 18 attempts. While they made the right adjustments at halftime and looked good in the second half, they were too far behind for it to matter.

They will need to take (and make) more shots from behind the three-point line to compete against Team USA. It's what kept them in the game during the qualifier, especially since the U.S. went 4-19 from three-point range.

Bet on Belgium at BetMGM

USA vs. Belgium Prediction

Belgium will play a better game than they did against Germany, but the same is true for the U.S. Now that they've worked through a few of the kinks, they'll play a smoother, better overall game. They could play about the same and still beat Belgium, but cover the spread?

Eh…maybe/probably?

Taking Team USA and giving the points will probably be okay, but we feel more comfortable taking the OVER instead.

• My Pick: OVER 162.5 at (-110) at BetMGM

How to Watch USA vs. Belgium

• Teams: USA vs. Belgium

• Location: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France

• Time & Date: 3 p.m. EST. on Thursday, August 1

• Coverage: USA Network/ Peacock/ NBCOlympics.com.