Even though the Americans are favored by 16.5, that doesn’t mean the underdog won’t put up a fight in Thursday afternoon’s Serbia vs. USA matchup. Will Serbia at least cover as a 16.5-point dog in Thursday’s 3:00 p.m. ET Men’s Olympic Basketball event?
Serbia vs. USA Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Fanduel Sportsbook, USA is a 16.5-point favorite to knock off Serbia on Thursday afternoon. The total, meanwhile, sits at 187 points.
Team Overview
Serbia:
- Recent Performance: Serbia is a formidable team in international basketball, known for its skilled players and strong team cohesion.
- Key Players:
- Nikola Jokić: The reigning NBA MVP is a versatile center known for his playmaking, scoring, and rebounding.
- Bogdan Bogdanović: A sharpshooting guard who can score from anywhere on the court and provide valuable playmaking.
- Milos Teodosic: An experienced point guard with excellent vision and leadership skills.
- Strengths: Serbia excels in ball movement, three-point shooting, and having a dominant presence in the paint with Jokić.
- Weaknesses: Their defense can be inconsistent, and they sometimes struggle with athletic teams.
USA:
- Recent Performance: The USA is typically the favorite in Olympic basketball, loaded with NBA talent and known for its athleticism and depth.
- Key Players:
- Kevin Durant: One of the best scorers in the world with the ability to take over games.
- Damian Lillard: An explosive guard with deep shooting range and playmaking ability.
- Jayson Tatum: A versatile forward who can score, defend, and rebound effectively.
- Strengths: The USA boasts unmatched athleticism, depth, and scoring ability from multiple positions.
- Weaknesses: Team chemistry and adapting to FIBA rules can sometimes be challenging for the USA.
Matchup Analysis
Offense vs. Defense:
- Serbia’s offensive strategy revolves around Jokić’s playmaking and Bogdanović’s scoring, which will challenge the USA’s defense. The USA’s defensive versatility, with players like Draymond Green and Bam Adebayo, will be crucial in containing Serbia’s offensive threats.
Perimeter Play:
- The USA’s perimeter defense will need to focus on limiting Serbia’s three-point shooters. On the other hand, Serbia must find a way to slow down the USA’s perimeter scorers like Durant and Lillard.
Paint Battle:
- The matchup between Jokić and the USA’s big men will be pivotal. Jokić’s ability to facilitate from the post can disrupt the USA’s defense, while the USA will rely on their athleticism to counter his impact.
Bench Contributions:
- The USA’s depth is a significant advantage, with quality players coming off the bench. Serbia’s bench will need to provide solid minutes to keep pace.
Coaching:
- Coaching will be key in making in-game adjustments. Serbia’s coaching staff will aim to exploit mismatches, while the USA’s staff will focus on maintaining defensive intensity and efficient ball movement.
Key Factors to Watch
- Pace of Play: The USA prefers a fast-paced game, while Serbia might look to control the tempo and play through Jokić.
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams rely on the three-pointer; whichever team shoots more efficiently from beyond the arc could have the upper hand.
- Rebounding: Controlling the boards will be crucial, especially limiting second-chance opportunities for the USA.
Serbia vs. USA Prediction
I know USA basketball hammered Brazil 122-87 in their last game, but the team has struggled to cover throughout this summer’s Olympics. The USA’s athleticism and depth give them an edge, but Serbia’s disciplined play and Jokić’s brilliance should make this a closer contest than most expect. I’ll gladly put the 16.5 points in my back pocket for a game that should be tight late.
Serbia vs. USA Prediction: Serbia +16.5