Japan vs. France best bets: Victor Wembanyama, Rui Hachimura

The picks — SGP: France alt spread -9.5, Japan alt spread +27.5, Victor Wembanyama 25+ points and rebounds, Rui Hachimura 4+ rebounds (+115, Caesars)

The energy inside Bercy Arena for France’s Olympics opener was infectious. Backing their countrymen in a 78-66 victory over Brazil, the flag-draped French fans stood for all 40 minutes, showering their team with thunderous chants and cheers.

In the French’s second game of their Group C tour, another heavy serving of supportive shouts from the 20,000-plus are bound to boost Les Bleus again.

Scoring a combined 38 points against the Brazilians, Victor Wembanyama and Nicolas Batum waxed the competition. Overall, France shot 50% from the floor while allowing under 1.00 points per possession.

Taking on the Land of the Rising Sun on Wednesday, how does this adventurous bettor see the action unfolding? Here’s a breakdown of SGP legs in Japan-France.

Alt spreads: France -9.5, Japan +27.5. Remember this timeless strategy from the college basketball season? Yep, we’re living in the middle. With France favored by 17.5, buying they’ll emerge victorious by 10-27 points isn’t some cabernet drunk perspective. Germany disposed of Japan by 20 on Saturday. Yes, the French should cruise to a victory against the 26th-ranked FIBA team, but with the Olympic hosts in coast mode late, former Nebraska standout Keisei Tominaga bangs home a couple meaningless threes to score the backdoor cover.

Victor Wembanyana OVER 25.5 points and rebounds. Japan out-rebounded Germany 38-36 in its opener, but Deutschland doesn’t have Wemby. The French Gumby was virtually unstoppable against Brazil, totaling a combined 28 points and rebounds. His around-the-rim abilities are no match for the Japanese, whose tallest player is 6-foot-10 Josh Hawkinson. On both ends of the floor, Wemby earns all the vin and fromage.

Rui Hachimura 4+ rebounds. Against Germany, Rui and his countrymen shot an uneventful 36% from the floor. Against defensive stalwarts Wemby and Rudy Gobert, rim clangs are sure to compile. Whether on corralled second chances or errant French shots, Hachimura should easily squeeze what’s needed. It will be difficult for him to match the 10 rebounds he snagged against the Germans, but he and Hawkinson should be active on the glass.

Olympics basketball record: 0-1, -1.00 units

John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

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