Serbia vs. Japan: Where to watch exhibition game? TV schedule, online streams and more (July 21)
Serbia and Japan will play their first ever international basketball game in an exhibition match ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday. It's the Japanese team's last warm-up game for the tournament, and Serbia has one more game vs. Greece before beginning in Paris.
The Serbian team was dominated by Team USA in their last warm-up game. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic shot a poor 6-19 from the field despite finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He failed to hit any of his four 3-point attempts in the game.
Where to watch Serbia vs. Japan exhibition game (July 21)
The game can be watched via Serbian TV companies Arena Sports TV and RTS Predstavlja. The tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST. Arena Sports TV may also provide video updates throughout the game on their X page.
Serbia starting lineup and depth chart for July 21
Japan's starting lineup and depth chart for July 21
Serbia vs. Japan key matchup
Rui Hachimura vs. Filip Petrusev is an important matchup this game, with the 6-foot-8 forward likely to see time against the 6-foot-11 center Petrusev, who will make up a twin-tower duo alongside Nikola Jokic.
Petrusev, the No. 51 overall pick in the 2021 draft, currently plays for Greek squad Olympiacos in the Euroleague.
Hachimura needs to perform well for the Japanese squad to have a chance. He scored 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for the Lakers last season.
Japan is 1-1-2 in the four international matches they played before losing against Germany. They split two games against South Korea and then lost and drew against Australia.
The Japanese team is led by LA Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, who had 19 points and five rebounds in the loss to Germany. They also have Keisei Tominaga, a guard out of Nebraska who is now signed with the Indiana Pacers. Tominaga averaged 15.1 points per game in his last season at Nebraska.
They're in Group B with France, Brazil, and Germany. They play their first match against Germany on July 27.
The Serbian team is in Group C with Team USA, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico. They play their first match against Team USA on July 28. They'll play one more exhibition game against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece on Wednesday in preparation for the tournament.