Picking up where they left off in 2018, the French National Team led by 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe have found their way back into the finals as they look to be the first back-to-back World Cup Champions since Brazil’s dominant runs in 1958 and 1962. Standing between that incredible feat for the defending champions is Argentina, who currently have their superstar, Lionel Messi, in top form. Messi is finding ways to create passes no one can see and he’s done it multiple times, assisting three goals (tied for the most) throughout the tournament. The legend is also scoring goals of his own and is tied with Kylian Mbappe (5 goals) for Golden Boot honors in this year’s World Cup. Regardless, soccer fans around the world are in for a treat on Sunday at 10:00 AM EST as two of the best players in the world face each other for their country’s World Cup glory.
After winning Group D, France defeated Poland in the Round of 16, England in the quarterfinals, and a strong Morocco team in the semis to advance to the Final. On the other side of the bracket, Argentina won Group C and dispatched Australia in the Round of 16. Messi and the Argentinians were then tested in the quarterfinals, needing a penalty shootout to defeat the Netherlands after blowing a late two-goal lead. Finally, Argentina played perhaps their best match of the tournament against Croatia in the semi-finals, winning 3-0. Now the stage is set for a blockbuster finale between two powerhouses featuring some of the top players in the world.
Note (from FanDuel Sportsbook): No team will play at home during Qatar's World Cup. For betting purposes, FanDuel explains that: “Home Team refers to the team listed first, Away Team refers to the second team listed.”
Argentina (-104) vs. France (-112)
Argentina Keys To Victory
Lionel Messi has played incredibly for Argentina throughout this World Cup. He is leaving opposing defenders in the dust, taking on multiple players at once, dragging them away from his teammates, which is opening up the field for his fellow goal scorers. Every time Messi has the ball at his feet, there seems to be more than one threat. Messi is playing just as well as he always has in 2022. He’s served his team as a playmaker and as a goal-scorer in Qatar. He’s also had some help from Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez who’s scored a handful of goals in this World Cup (including two in Argentina’s decisive victory over Croatia). If Alvarez and Messi are able to link up while on the attack, the depleted French defense and midfield could be in for some trouble.
France Keys To Victory
One of the biggest headlines heading into this World Cup Final is the return of French striker Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid star and winner of this year’s Ballon D’Or hurt his hamstring in one of France’s first practices soon after arriving in Qatar. He flew back to Madrid where he immediately completed his recovery work which was set at three weeks from the time of injury. Right now, Benzema is flying back to Doha and could be starting for France in the final. At the moment, France’s HC Didier Deschamps has declined to comment on whether or not he will be including KB9 in the starting lineup. France’s ball movement has been excellent throughout the tournament, but their key to victory against Argentina will be efficient defense. Over the last few games, France’s defense seems to have slowed down. Not only will they need to stop Messi, but they will need to turn defensive stops into counterattacks. Mbappe and Olivier Giroud (four goals thus far in the tournament) will need to be electric on offense and test the Argentinian keeper. Antoine Griezmann may be an x-factor for France as he has three assists in this World Cup and was inches away from scoring against Morocco.
Conclusion
It’s only fitting that Lionel Messi will finally hoist the World Cup trophy in his last World Cup match. Expect him to score a goal and lead his team to victory in a tightly contested battle.
The Pick: Argentina (-104)
World Cup Final Best Prop Bets
Kylian Mbappe: To Score Or Give Assist (+100)
Mbappé has been relatively quiet over France’s last few games. Still, he is the main wing on France’s team who is capable of breaking down defenses through his skillful technique and ridiculous speed. He currently is tied with Messi for the most goals in the 2022 World Cup. If he isn’t able to score in this game, then expect him to at least make an assist. For France to win this one, the 23-year-old will need to have a big game.
Lionel Messi: Anytime Goalscorer (+190)
Messi has stepped up his performance big time this World Cup. If you have watched Argentina play in this tournament, you know how crucial of a role Messi has played in the team’s success. He is tied for the most goals in the tournament with Mbappe and has a great chance of putting the ball in the net at some point during Sunday’s big match. This is a particularly great prop to target since Messi takes all of Argentina’s penalty shots and has converted four-of-five throughout the tournament.
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Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
Both Milwaukee and Golden State scored big road wins in Game 1 of their respective second-round series’.
Let’s take a look at what these series could look like after Game 2 tips off in Boston and Memphis. Tonight, we’ll check out the favorites, lines, and best bets in both series. We’ll also take a look at some NBA player props featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. and Stephen Curry that should hit comfortably in tonight’s Game 2 between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Please Note: All odds and lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and were accurate at 2:30 PM EST. Be sure to check for line movement or odd changes.
Best Bets of the Night
Game: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics -5 (MIL Leads 1-0)
Although Giannis Antetokoumpo is playing basketball at an unbelievable level while the Celtics seemed to have no answers for him in Game 1, Boston should bounce back and take Game 2 at home by at least five points. Simply put, the Bucks bodied the Celtics and limited them to 89 points in Game 1. None of the Celtics’ best players shot above 35% from the field in Game 1. Jayson Tatum mustered an inefficient 21 points (6-18 FG), Marcus Smart scored produced 10 points (3-11 FG), and Jaylen Brown scored a measly 12 points (4-13 FG).
While Milwaukee shot a mediocre 41.1% from the field, they finished the game with 101 points. Giannis scored 24 (9-25 FG), Bobby Portis scored 15 (6-12 FG), and Jrue Holiday was incredibly clutch with Khris Middleton sidelined. He scored a game-high 25 points (8-20 FG). Therefore, the Bucks’ three best scorers shot 23-of-47 from the field compared to Boston’s top three weapons’ converting just 13-of-42. Tatum, Brown, and Smart combined drained just 31% of their shots.
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While Giannis continues to dominate, the Celtics seemingly have no answers on how to contain him. What is scary is that he had a mediocre night from the field and only scored 24 points. However, he contributed in every possible way, finishing with a 24-point, 13-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double. Despite his masterful performance in Game 1, I can guarantee you that Giannis was unsatisfied with his offensive efficiency shooting the ball. The Celtics have to rely on Robert Williams III in the paint, Al Horford, and a little bit of Grant Williams and Jayson Tatum to defend the Greek Freak.
Despite the Bucks' second-best player, Khris Middleton, out of the lineup, Bobby Portis, Wesley Matthews, and Pat Connaughton are doing a terrific job filling the void. The Bucks simply look unstoppable at the moment with their big lineup (Giannis at small forward, Portis at power forward, and Brook Lopez at center). Milwaukee could lose by four points and you’d still come out on top tonight. If the Celtics edge out a win tonight, odds are that it comes down to the wire. It also doesn’t help the Celtics that Marcus Smart is listed as questionable tonight. He will likely play through the injury but it was very evident that he was pushing through the pain at the conclusion of Game 1. Plus,
the Bucks are 4-2 against the spread this postseason with the largest margin of victory (14.2 points per game) as well as the largest average number of points they cover the spread by (+
8.3 points per game ATS).
The Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +5 (-110)
Game: Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies +2 (GSW Leads 1-0)
Memphis’ Game 1 117-116 loss to the Golden Warriors was a nail-biter. Memphis played well but Ja Morant failed to produce another game-winning buzzer-beater as he did in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
As a team, the Warriors shot 48.4% (45-93 FG) from the field in Game 1, which is pretty darn good. Likewise, the Grizzlies converted a respectable 43.2% (41-95 FG) of their shots, which simply wasn’t enough to contain the fast-paced dangerous offense of the Warriors. Jordan Poole, who has been playing with more confidence this postseason than perhaps any other young star, had another huge night in Game 1.
If all three of the “new” Splash Brothers ball out, the Warriors are virtually unstoppable. Although Memphis is the No. 2 seed while the Warriors hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, Golden State had the upper hand going into this series. They are now one game ahead of the Grizzlies and are looking to extend their lead in this series.
Considering Memphis already let one get away on their homecourt, tonight is a must-win for the Grizzlies. Memphis could lose this game, but my gut feeling tells me that they will rise to the occasion. Again, the Grizzlies played solid basketball. Besides Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane who had rough nights from the field, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 30 points (10-18 FG) alongside Ja Morant’s 34 points (45% from the field). If Memphis does lose, I think it will be as close as Game 1. Bane and Brooks had extremely off nights and they should bounce back in Game 2. If they do and Morant continues to play at this elite level, the Grizzlies should tie this series up before heading to Golden State for Game 3.
The Pick: Memphis Grizzlies ML (+110)
NBA Player Props of the Night
Game: Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies +2 (GSW Leads 1-0)
Prop #1: Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 14.5 Points (-120)
After a rough first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaren Jackson Jr. seems to have restored his offensive rhythm. While foul trouble continues to be a concern for the third-year big man, Jackson dropped 30 points in Game 1 despite a very close loss to the Golden State Warriors. Jackson averaged 16.3 points per game this season but with Steven Adams still out of the lineup, Jackson should see extended minutes. Brandon Clarke has been clutch off the bench but the Grizzlies seem to be at their best when Jackson is on the floor. The third-year big man should get plenty of opportunities especially after nailing 6-of-9 shots from beyond the arc in Game 1.
Prop #2: Stephen Curry 4+ Threes (-174)
The only elements that could prevent Curry from draining fewer than four three-pointers in this game are Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. Both Thompson and Poole have exceeded expectations this postseason (Klay Thompson’s comeback has simply been glorious). Therefore, the only thing that could keep Curry from nailing four threes is the other sharp-shooters on the Warriors getting good open looks from downtown. Steph hit five threes in Game 1 out of 12 attempts. Likewise, Jordan Poole hit five threes while Klay Thompson hit three. Together, Poole, Curry, and Thompson attempted 32 three-pointers in Game 1. Nonetheless, Curry attempted 12 three-pointers and knocked down five of them. If Steph attempts approximately nine three-pointers, he would still have a good chance at hitting at least four of them. If he attempts 10 or more in Game 2, then this prop is practically a lock. Though Steph only shot 38% from downtown this season, he’s a different and much more ferocious player in the postseason. With his experience, reliability, and quick release, he should have no problem hitting at least four three-pointers in Game 2.
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- Grizzlies ML
- Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 14.5 points
- Stephen Curry 4+ Threes
