USA vs Serbia Prediction and Preview for Basketball Showcase | July 17, 2024
The USA vs Serbia exhibition game will be held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday before the two teams kick off their respective 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns. Both rosters showcase decorated superstars from the NBA, with Team USA having an advantage over Serbia in the number of players from the world's biggest basketball league.
However, the Serbians have the league's MVP, Nikola Jokic, who can turn the tide of a contest all by himself. This exhibition matchup will serve as an early look for both teams as they are in the same group in the international tournament.
USA vs Serbia game details and odds
The tip-off for USA vs Serbia is scheduled for noon ET and will be broadcast on FS1. Online streams will be available for fans to watch on YouTube TV, Fubo TV and the Fox Sports app.
Here are the odds for the game:
Moneyline: USA (-1300) vs Serbia (+730)
Spread: USA (-13.5) vs Serbia (+13.5)
Total (O/U): USA -110 (o174.5) vs Serbia -110 (u174.5)
Note: The odds listed are as per information available at the time of writing and are subject to change close to the game.
USA vs Serbia preview
Team USA comes into the matchup against Serbia following a close victory over Australia. The U.S. secured a 98-92 win on Monday as Anthony Davis emerged as the hero.
On the other hand, Serbia started its exhibition games strong, defeating the French, but lost its latest matchup against Australia.
Serbia will face the U.S. again in a week in its first group-stage game of the Olympics.
USA vs Serbia starting lineups
Team USA has an expansive roster full of talented players. It has tested out a few combinations, and the one against Australia looked to be the most balanced. Coach Steve Kerr could make minor changes to the rotations and the bench but is unlikely tp tamper much with the core.
Here is the expected lineup for Team USA:
F- Jayson Tatum, F- LeBron James, C- Joel Embiid, G- Anthony Edwards, and G- Stephen Curry.
Serbia will likely stick with its previous lineup but may make a few changes to its rotation and bench. Here is the expected lineup for Serbia:
C- Filip Petrusev, F- Nikola Jokic, F- Nikola Milutinov, G- Aleksa Avramovic, and G- Vanja Marinkovic.
USA vs Serbia prediction
The oddsmakers have favored Team USA to win the matchup against Serbia. Looking at the extensive roster and depth of the U.S. squad, that looks to be the most probable outcome. Although the Serbian team has the potential to surprise the fans and pull off an upset with the help of Nikola Jokic, it looks unlikely. Expect the U.S. to come away with the win.