Olympic Men's Team Starting Odds '28: Predicting The U.S. Lineup

By Adam Thompson

Aug 12th, 2024 7:54 PM EST

Used 34 Times Today

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!
Promo Code: BOOKIES

Bonus Code

BOOKIES

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate (18+ in KY). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IA, KY, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). Must be present in LA (select parishes). Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

It certainly wasn’t easy, but Team USA did win its fifth straight men’s basketball gold medal at the France Olympic Games. Steph Curry played the role of hero, and LeBron James was No. 2 in scoring and led the team in rebounds and assists at the ripe age of 40. 

The quest for a sixth gold medal begins, and it’s on the home turf. The 2028 Olympics are in Los Angeles. 

Who will make the team, and who won’t? And who may be in the starting five? Bookies.com veteran oddsmaker Adam Thompson breaks down the sports betting landscape and has revealed his betting odds betting odds for the starting lineup. 

U.S. Olympic Basketball Starter, 2028

This market is for entertainment purposes only and has been created by the Bookies.com team. It is not currently available on betting apps. Percentages will not add up to 100% most time because these are designed to simulate odds a sportsbook would set.

2028 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team: Starter Predictions And Key Players

It’s tough, but we can probably count out the three legendary NBA players who helped guide this year’s team to the gold. Never say never, but it was likely the final Olympic hurrah for James (40), Curry (36) and Kevin Durant (36). 

Of those three, Durant is most likely to return and see another gold. If he wants to play, he’ll be on the team, though it could be as a veteran statesman role. Veterans Anthony Davis (31), Joel Embiid (30), Jrue Holiday (34) and Derrick White (30) are more likely to give way to the next generation.

Five of the 12 players from this Olympic squad will be 31 or younger for the 2028 Olympics in L.A. 

Anthony Edwards (current age 23), Devin Booker (28), Bam Adebayo (27), Tyrese Haliburton (24) and Jayson Tatum (26) could all return, and most could be in line to start. 

To figure out the odds of starters, we’re employing a two-guard, two-forward, one-center formation. 

Edwards and Booker, especially, make up two of the premier guards in the NBA. If they want to come back, a spot will be there for them. Edwards called his Olympic experience “the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball,” so there’s a good bet he’ll do it again in four years. Booker has two golds already (he was on the team in Tokyo in 2021). 

Adebayo will be the key big man, especially if the aging and physically worn Davis and Embiid elect not to return. The Heat center could be the top low post priority for Grant Hill, who will lead the creation of the ‘28 team. 

Used 23 Times Today

$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win + $50 in BetMGM Rewards Points
Bonus Code: BOOKIESBRP1500

Bonus Code

BOOKIESBRP1500

Visit Site

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Magic 6-11 forward Paolo Banchero (21) averaged 22.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 5.4 apg in just his second season, this after winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2022-23. The Seattle native is among the most-likely candidates to get a call for their first Olympic Games for 2028. 

On the same trend, Thunder stick Chet Holmgren (22) and Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. (24) add more next-gen options if AD and Embiid don’t return. 

Cooper Flagg (17) hasn’t even played a college game, but he schooled the Olympians in an exhibition and is hyped as a future NBA generational talent. He’ll be at Duke next season but will have three years of pro experience by 2028. 

If Tatum is on the team, he could persuade Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown (27) to join him in L.A. The two-time All-Star was a massive part of Boston’s NBA championship this season. He publicly questioned Hill’s snub of him this time, but there are a few years to mend fences. 

Tatum can also go for a third gold here, though his sporadic play (he saw no action in two of the six games) could offer a pause. Coach Steve Kerr won’t be back, however. 

Used 26 Times Today

Bet Match Up to $250
Promo Code: BOOKIES250BM

Bonus Code

BOOKIES250BM

Visit Site

Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First wager after registration must qualify. Min. Odds: -500. Max. Bonus Bet: $250. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires 14 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. Void where prohibited. See http://Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit http://mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit http://1800gambler.net ; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed Operator): Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2025, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER DC, LA: Call 1-800-522-4700 MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

Grizzlies star Ja Morant (25) could put a cap on his personal reclamation project with an Olympic showing here. His talent is certainly up for it. Tyrese Maxey (23) has stepped up to every challenge and ascended his game to new heights this past season in Philly. 

Zion Williamson (24) made the trip to France but to promote Nike, not play. Health has been his issue, not talent. 

Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (22) and versatile defensive stopper Mikal Bridges (27) have a shot at making the team, though starting is a different animal. 

Jalen Brunson, De’Aaron Fox, LaMelo Ball and even current NBA rookies such as Reed Shepperd and Amen Thompson could get serious looks at the squad, but likely more for depth. 

Used 35 Times Today

New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins

Bonus Code

No Code Required

Visit Site

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

About the Author

Adam Thompson

More About Adam

Long established as one of the nation's premier handicappers, Adam Thompson joined Bookies.com in 2019 after a successful run as senior handicapper for SportsLine & CBSSports.com. He specializes in the NFL and MLB, where he's hit on well over 60% of his picks the past five years. Adam's NBA and horse racing picks have also produced consistent, major winners over the years.