Team USA has been tested by several top NBA players in their exhibition games so far. Canada boasts stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, while Australia has a strong lineup led by Josh Giddey and other NBA role players. However, the upcoming matchup against Serbia will be the first time Team USA will be without the best player on the court. They will face off against Nikola Jokic and Serbia in Abu Dhabi in a crucial tune-up game before the Olympics in Paris.
Serbia may not have the same star power as Team USA, but they are a formidable opponent. They defeated Team USA 94-89 at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and will be a major threat in the upcoming Olympics. The two teams are in the same group and will meet again on July 28, with the possibility of facing each other in the knockout stage as well. This game will be a good opportunity for both teams to size each other up before the real competition begins. Here’s how you can watch the exhibition game on Wednesday.
Team USA basketball vs. Serbia
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET | Date: Wednesday, July 17
TV channel: FS1 | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
Odds: USA -15.5, O/U: 175.5
Storylines
Team USA: Can Team USA maintain focus for a full 40-minute game? They struggled with a slow start against Canada and almost blew a 20-point lead against Australia. Coach Steve Kerr is still experimenting with different player combinations and trying to find the right chemistry. With less than two weeks until the Olympics, Team USA needs to show they can stay sharp throughout the game to avoid costly mistakes.
Serbia: There’s been talk in the NBA about Joel Embiid avoiding matchups with Nikola Jokic, but now they will face off on the international stage. Embiid will have to step up his game to contain Jokic, who is the focal point of the Serbian team. This game will be a test for Embiid and an opportunity for him to prove his defensive abilities against one of the best centers in the world.
Prediction
While Team USA is favored to win, Serbia poses a real challenge with their well-rounded roster centered around Jokic. This game won’t be easy for Team USA, and they will have to work hard to secure a victory. Expect a competitive exhibition match on Wednesday. The Pick: Serbia +15.5
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