Team USA’s path through the 2024 Paris Olympics has been pretty smooth so far. Yes, the Americans had to play Serbia for the first time, but their last three games came against opponents ranked No. 12 (Brazil), No. 16 (Puerto Rico) and No. 33 (South Sudan) in the world, according to FIBA. America’s star lineup could not lose to any of those teams. Things should get even more interesting starting on Thursday in the semifinals in a rematch against Serbia with a place in the gold medal game against France on the line.
Yes, Team USA beat Serbia twice last month, but this is an opponent that could win one game against the best team on the field. Serbia defeated Team USA at the 2019 World Cup. They took home silver at the 2023 World Cup. They have the best player on the field (and the world) in Nikola Jokic, and unlike twice The last time these teams met, this is a single elimination game. The loser goes home without a gold medal. For the first time, this is a game that Team USA really needs to take seriously.
Here are the highlights for Thursday’s Olympic semifinal as Team USA tries to keep its hopes alive for a fifth consecutive gold medal. Serbia, meanwhile, has yet to win Olympic gold and is looking for its second trip to the gold medal game. The Serbian national team finished with the silver medal in 2016, losing to Team USA in the gold medal game.
Where to watch USA basketball vs. Serbia
Time: 3 pm ET | Sun: Thursday, Aug. 8
Location: Bercy Arena — Paris
TV channel: USA Network | Live streaming: fubo (try for free), Peacock
Live Updates: Next
Below are our best bets for the clash with Serbia.
Team USA vs. The best beds in Serbia
Team USA won their group game against Serbia by 26 points … but won the nine or so minutes that Nikola Jokic spent on the bench with exactly 26 points. When Jokic was on the floor, for about 75% of the game, the two teams were evenly matched. This happened despite Serbia shooting 9-of-37 from 3-point range (24.3%) while Team USA shot 18-of-32 (56.3%). Team USA will probably win this game. It’s hard to imagine Team USA beating Serbia three times, if you include their exhibition game. Serbia can beat Team USA on a good day. On average, these groups should be competitive. Pick: Serbia +16.5
I’m picking the unders and the overs are still hitting. Finally, I’m going too far because it’s good for Team USA to play this game with speed. Jokic doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses, but his strengths are pick-and-roll and pass rush. If Team USA plays slow, plodding style and whoever hits the rock hard, that plays into their hands. The idea will be to play fast, make Serbia switch and take advantage of the fact that Jokic is not a great rim protector or defender. If that forces Serbia to play faster, which Jokic can do well with full-court passing, so much the better. Option: Over 187.5
Unfortunately, the books got caught after putting Jokic’s assist line at a low of 4.5 in the team’s game against Team USA. At 7.5, the value is gone. But his whole point at 20.5 seems more reasonable. If nothing else, I don’t expect Jokic to sit like he did in the first game. This is a prize round. Team USA has no clear way to defend him alone. If there was ever a time for Serbia to simply say, “We have a great player and we’re going to ride him for 40 minutes,” it would be now. In this case, I like all his parts. But considering the conditions of this game and the matchup advantages he has, his idea of ​​scoring more points is clear. The Pick: Jokic Over 20.5 Points
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