- What: Men’s Olympic Basketball Game
- When: Thursday, August 8
- Who: Serbia vs. Team USA
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium (Lithe, France)
Team USA will face Serbia on Thursday morning in Group C action. The game is scheduled to tip off at 3:00 p.m. ET in Lille, France.
In the latest odds against Serbia, Team USA is currently a 17.5-point favorite, with the over/under for total points set at 187.5.
Serbia
The Serbian national basketball team boasts four NBA players, the standout being Nikola Jokic, the top player of the Denver Nuggets.
As a three-time NBA MVP, Jokic’s versatility makes him an invaluable asset to the team. He excels at rebounding, scoring, and facilitating.
Nikola Jokic is OUT OF THIS WORLD for Serbia at the Olympics…???????????? #Paris2024
???? He leads Serbia in:
● PTS
● REB
● AST
● STL
● BLK
● EFF pic.twitter.com/A1u1ONhnHW— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 8, 2024
Bogdan Bogdanovic is another key player. He provides solid ball-handling skills and the ability to create his own scoring opportunities.
Given the United States’ formidable perimeter defense, effective floor spacing will be crucial for the Serbian team.
Additionally, Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat is a significant playmaker, standing at 6-foot-10 and possessing the shooting ability to stretch the floor when necessary.
Team USA
Kevin Durant’s availability is crucial for Team USA. He missed all five exhibition games due to a calf injury and is currently listed as questionable.
Having Durant back on the court would be a significant advantage, given his exceptional scoring ability and his impressive performance for Team USA.
Durant holds the record for the most total points (435), field goals (146), 3-point field goals (74), and free throws (69) in Team USA history.
This angle of LeBron James pass to a Jayson Tatum poster is incredible pic.twitter.com/Ry8uMrrGpn
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) August 6, 2024
The combination of Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis in the frontcourt poses a strong defensive challenge for opposing teams.
Both players are versatile defenders capable of guarding multiple positions and utilizing their size effectively. Adebayo, a two-time Olympian, achieved gold in 2020.
In the exhibition game against Serbia on July 17, Adebayo contributed 17 points and eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Davis is coming off an outstanding season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Serbia-Team USA Best Bet
Team USA has clear skill and talent advantages at every position outside of center.
They scored 105 points in the exhibition game and 110 in group play, showing consistent high-level scoring throughout the Olympics.
Despite Serbia making things interesting by going shot for shot, the Americans don’t have a clear path to limiting their overall scoring.
The Americans also respect the Serbian team as the greatest potential upset threat in the Olympics, so they will not let up until the game ends.
I would bet over 187.5 points in this one, as I expect a high-scoring game.
Can Team USA stay perfect against Brazil in the quarterfinals?
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