Team USA vs. Germany: Preview, Prediction and Odds (July 22, 2024) | USA Basketball Showcase Game
After getting a big scare from the unheralded South Sudan, Team USA will face Germany in its final tune-up game before the Olympics. LeBron James spared the Americans from an embarrassing loss with a crucial layup to give them a 101-100 victory, but they will need to significantly raise their level against the 2023 FIBA World Cup champs.
The Germans whipped Japan 104-83 a few days ago in front of an excited crowd in Berlin. Franz Wagner, Andreas Obst and team captain Dennis Schroder will lead the European team.
Team USA vs Germany: Preview, prediction and odds
The sprawling O2 Arena in London will host the showdown between the Americans and the Germans. Basketball fans can also catch the action by subscribing to Courtside 1891.
Moneyline: Team USA (-143) vs. Germany (+100)
Spread: Team USA (-16.5) vs. Germany (+16.5)
Total (O/U): Team USA (o186.5 -110) vs. Germany (u186.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Team USA vs. Germany: Game preview
The Americans have to be disappointed with the way they played against South Sudan. They allowed the East Africans to shoot 47.5%, including 42.2% from deep. If not for LeBron James’ crucial bucket and a key defensive stand, they would have suffered the biggest upset in the pre-Olympic exhibition games.
Besides improving the defense, Steve Kerr will hope his star-studded roster can hit a few more 3-pointers. In the near-loss to South Sudan, they were only 7-for-28 from deep compared to their opponents’ 14-for-33 clip. Steph Curry went 3-for-9 while James hit 2-of-3.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner and Co. battered Japan in their last tune-up game. Wagner scattered 27 points in their win with help from Dennis Schroder, Mo Wagner, Maodo Lo and Andreas Obst. They will not have the size and skill advantage when they face the Americans.
The Germans have won their last three after a loss to France to start their exhibition games. They are looking sharp heading into the Olympics.
Team USA vs Germany: Prediction
The Americans will be determined to prove their performance against South Sudan was a hiccup. Expect them to have a much better display and come out on top against the Germans on Monday.