The 2024 World Junior Championship advances to the quarterfinals with USA facing off against Latvia on Tuesday at Frolundaborg in Sweden.
The Americans swept the round-robin although Team Czechia pushed them to a shootout. Meanwhile, Latvia salvaged a win against Germany after getting shut out in their first three games.
How will Team USA fare against Team Latvia? Read on for our USA vs. Latvia betting picks and predictions for Tuesday, January 2.
USA vs. Latvia odds
 USA |
 Latvia |
|
|---|---|---|
| -10000 | 3-way (regular time) | +4,000 |
| +1450 | Tie | +1450 |
| -5.5 (-110) | Spread | +5.5 (-110) |
| Over 7.5 (-125) | Total | Under 7.5 (-105) |
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction as of January 1, 2024.
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USA vs. Latvia picks and predictions
Team USA more or less breezed through pool play with only a minor road bump in their 4-3 shootout win over Czechia.
USA scored a tournament-high 29 goals through four games while allowing nine. On the flip side, Latvia allowed 22 goals in its four games while scoring just six – all in the win against Germany.
Team USA struggled a bit out of the gate with only a 4-1 win over Norway as huge favorites. They then blew out Switzerland 11-3 and beat Slovakia 10-2 with their shootout win over Czechia in the middle.
University of Michigan forward Gavin Brindley has surprised to lead the way for USA with six goals and eight points thus far. Philadelphia Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Frank Nazar also have eight points, but they've combined for just one goal (Gauthier).
Latvia, on the other hand, lost 6-0 to Sweden, 10-0 to Canada, and 4-0 to Finland before beating Germany 6-2.
Latvian forwards Sandis Vilmanis (two goals, one assist) and Dans Locmelis (three assists) both had three points in the 6-2 win over Germany.
The odds are heavily in USA’s favor in this one, as they should be. USA has a chance to get a blowout win to build more confidence heading into the semifinals.
My best bet: USA -5.5 (-110 at SIA)
USA vs. Latvia moneyline & Over/Under analysis
Team USA are understandably huge favorites at -5.5 on the puck line and -10000 to win in regulation. In turn, Latvia are +5.5 underdogs and a huge +4000 to win in regulation. It's paying off +1450 for the game to go to overtime.
The total is set at 7.5 with the Over 7.5 at -125 and Under 7.5 at -105.
Team USA should score at least eight goals themselves, which you can bet on at +155 at SIA. I’m all over USA on Tuesday.
USA vs. Latvia betting trend to know
USA has won three of its last four in WJHC play.
USA vs. Latvia game info
| Location: | Frölundaborg, Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Date: | Tuesday, January 2, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
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