Basketball: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander favoured to lead Canada in scoring

As Canada's best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already has a ton on his shoulders. Many expect the Canadian team to have a shot at upsetting the Americans, and he will most likely need to lead the way for that to happen. As an individual, the expectations for Gilgeous-Alexander are high.

Who will lead team Canada in scoring?

After Canada defeated Greece 86-79 in their first game at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the betting favourite to lead the Canadian men's basketball team in scoring on the betting sites. He is the betting favourite on BetMGM by a decent margin. Gilgeous-Alexander has -350 odds to be the team's top scorer. Gilgeous-Alexander was the second highest scorer on team Canada in the game against Greece. He scored 21 points to go along with seven assists and five rebounds. RJ Barrett led the way with 23 points. The game's top scorer was Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and had five rebounds.

Gilgeous-Alexander should have a good shot at finishing the tournament as Canada’s top scorer. He is currently the best player and scorer on team Canada. Gilgeous-Alexander finished third in scoring last NBA season, averaging 30.1 points per game. Barrett has the second best odds following his performance against Greece. At +400, he is one spot above Jamal Murray. Murray has the third best odds with +1100. Murray scored eight points against Greece. For the Paris Olympics, BetMGM is taking bets on this and much for the men's basketball tournament.

Will Canada reach the final?

Many believe Canada has a legitimate shot at upsetting team USA and leaving Paris with a gold medal. Canada was among the betting favourites heading into the tournament. Bettors can bet on which two countries will reach the final. At +180, USA and Canada are the betting favourites. The odds for a USA vs France final are +220, slightly below Canada vs USA. USA vs Serbia is third at +450. The Americans haven't dominated the rest of the world as much as many thought they would when the USA roster was announced. But they still have the best roster and should make the gold medal game based on talent alone. 

Canada also has a roster full of NBA talent, but is lacking in star power compared to the USA like the rest of the world. Right now, a bet against team USA still looks like a losing bet. With LeBron James and Stephen Curry leading the way, the USA should reach the final. Canada has a lot of NBA talent, but a few other countries do also. And anything can happen in one game.

Bet on stats

BetMGM is also taking bets for the top scorer for a few other teams and assists leaders. 

Bettors can bet on the top scorer for Greece, France, Brazil, Germany, Australia, and Spain. For assists, BetMGM is taking bets on top assists for six teams: Greece, France, Brazil, Australia, Germany, and Spain.