Germany attempts to remain unbeaten and play for the gold medal for the first time when it faces France at Accor Arena on Thursday in the men's basketball semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Germans, whose previous best finish in the Summer Games was seventh place in Barcelona in 1992, went 3-0 during group play in Paris before defeating Greece 76-63 in the quarterfinals. One of their group-stage wins was an 85-71 triumph over France, which advanced to the semifinals by getting past Canada 82-73.

Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET. The Germans are 6-point favorites in the latest Germany vs. France odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 156. Before you make any France vs. Germany picks or 2024 Paris Olympics basketball predictions, you need to see what SportsLine writer Matt Severance has to say. 

Severance is a well-connected writer and high-volume handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. He went 231-161 for a profit of $1,237 on his NBA picks last season and has returned $4,452 over the past three NBA campaigns. And over the past four college basketball seasons, Severance is up $887. Anybody following his basketball picks has seen HUGE returns! 

Severance knows Germany won each of its first four contests by double digits, with forward Franz Wagner of the NBA's Orlando Magic averaging 20.8 points. The 22-year-old had his best offensive performance of the Paris Games in the victory against France, scoring 26 points while pulling down five rebounds. Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder also recorded 26 points in the meeting with the French and fell one assist shy of posting his second double-double of these Olympics after registering 13 points and 12 assists versus Japan in Germany's group-stage opener.

The expert also is aware that France never has won gold in men's basketball but will assure itself of at least its fourth silver medal with a victory over the Germans. The French are led by 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, who is averaging 14.5 points and 11 rebounds. The 20-year-old center from the San Antonio Spurs recorded a pair of double-doubles during group play, producing 18 points and 11 boards against Japan before notching 14 and 12 versus Germany.

Severance has analyzed this Germany vs. France semifinal matchup from every angle and is leaning Under the total. But he also has discovered a crucial X-factor that makes one side of the spread a must-back! 

So who wins Germany vs. France on Thursday? And what X-factor makes one side a must-back? ... Join SportsLine right now to get France vs. Germany picks, all from the betting expert who has returned $4,452 over the past three NBA seasons!