Chris Pike’s Opals Olympics Preview: Game 2

Posted on August 1, 2024August 1, 2024 | Posted by TABtouch

Game 2 v Canada (7.30pm WST Thursday 1st August)

The Olympic hopes of the Australian Opals goes on the line at Paris 2024 on Thursday with a must-win affair against Canada after a tough first up showing against Nigeria.

The Opals did arrive in Paris with high hopes of trying to get back into medal contention for the first time since London 2012 which was the culmination of a run of five consecutive medal winning performances at the Olympic Games for the Australian women.

There was great excitement surrounding the team featuring the legendary Lauren Jackson back at a fifth Olympics at 43 years of age with the squad including current WNBA players Jade Melbourne, Kristy Wallace, Steph Talbot, Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor and Sami Whitcomb.

However, it proved a horror first up showing against the world No. 12 ranked Nigeria with the Opals finishing the night with a monstrous 26 turnovers and shooting a dismal 8/18 at the free-throw line.

While some of that can be put down to an off night, the turnover problem highlights that the squad selected for Paris didn’t include a genuine point guard who could be trusted to bring the ball up the floor and run the offence.

Instead, coach Sandy Brondello was willing to back in combo guards Whitcomb, Wallace, captain Tess Madgen, Talbot and Melbourne to share a lot of those ball carrying duties – now it has to pay off on Thursday night against Canada or there’s no hope of advancing beyond the group stage.

Giving the Opals reason for optimism was what Canada did first up on Saturday as well with a 21-point loss against the host nation France.

While Canada is ranked fifth in the world, it should be a team the Opals can beat and that has to happen on Thursday night to then set up a tantalising match up with France to close the group stage at Paris 2024.

Australia might not be able to play as poorly as they did in Saturday’s loss to Nigeria, but the key is the guards in the squad. While not being genuine point guards, doing a better job of getting the ball up the floor, holding onto the ball and setting up the offence is a must.

Former Perth Lynx WNBL captain Whitcomb will be key to that and for the Opals to win, she’s going to have to set up her teammates well. Getting on her for over 3.5 assists at $1.90* looks a good option.

Magbegor might have had just nine points and five rebounds first up for Australia against Nigeria, but she’ll be ready to make a statement against Canada. She’s a good option to score over 11.5 points at $1.80* and to collect over 5.5 rebounds at $1.80*.

Expect Jackson to back up her talk following Saturday’s game about how disappointing the Opals were by leading by example too. She might still only play limited minutes, but bank on her scoring over 8.5 points at $2.42*.

It’s a game the Opals need to win, they are up against a Canada team coming off a tough first up loss, and expect the Australian women to get their Paris 2024 campaign right back on track.

Verdict: Australia (-7.5 Line at $1.88*)

*Odds correct as at 9am 1st August 2024.

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