After coming through the group stage, Serbia and Australia fight it out for a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics semi-finals on Wednesday. (Image: Serbia/Australia Basketball IG)

Serbia vs Australia: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for August 7 | 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball

Modified Aug 06, 2024 15:40 GMT

Australia will be looking for payback when it faces Serbia at Accor Arena in Paris on Wednesday in the 2024 Olympics quarterfinals clash between the two rivals. They met in a thrilling 2016 Rio Olympics quarterfinal matchup that the Serbs won 71-73 and went on to claim their first Olympic bronze medal.

Ranked third in the FIBA World Rankings, Australia was expected to sweep the group but fell to Nigeria in its opening game before rebounding with a close win over Canada 70-65 and a 79-72 victory against hosts France.

Opponents, Serbia, also had an identical run of results and finished second in the group with five points from a possible six available. Marina Maljkovic’s team started the group stage with a hard-fought 58-55 victory against Puerto Rica, followed by a dominant 81-59 victory against China. The Serbs concluded the group stage with a 70-62 loss to Spain.

Serbia vs Australia: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts

Serbia predicted starting 5s and depth charts

Marina Maljkovic will weigh whether to keep the same starting lineup or make one or two adjustments.

Yvonne Anderson started alongside Ivana Raca, Tina Krajisnik, Jovana Nogic and Sasa Cadjo against Spain, and all of them could feature again on Wednesday. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see either Jovana Nogic or Mina Dordevic being handed increased playing time at some point during the game.

Australia predicted starting 5s and depth charts

As for Australia, coach Sandy Brondello went with the same starting lineup for all three of her team's group games, so it's likely she'll stick with it for this matchup. The team's leading scorer with double-digit points in every group game, Sami Whitcomb, will continue to lead the line, and she will be joined by the likes of Ezi Magbegor, Steph Talbot, Jade Melbourne and Alanna Smith.

Serbia vs Australia: What to expect

Australia is known for its disciplined approach, making it a tough opponent to break down. Since winning bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, the Aussies have failed to advance beyond the Olympic quarterfinals. But if there was ever a time to prove their worth, this is the perfect opportunity.

The Opals' surprising defeat to Nigeria has added a layer of uncertainty to their Summer Games campaign. However, everything written about the Aussies so far could be ripped up should they claim victory against Serbia on Wednesday.

Serbia vs Australia: Head-to-head

These two teams have met six times in the past, and Australia has come out on top in four of those contests. However, Serbia has won when it mattered most, one in the Olympic quarterfinals and the other in the FIBA World Cup.

The most recent encounter was a closely fought battle earlier this year at the Olympic qualifying tournament, where Australia claimed a narrow 75-73 win. Fans can expect another highly contested match with both teams leaving everything on the court in their quest for a semifinal spot.