USA vs Serbia predictions: Olympics basketball odds & best bets | Pickswise

It’s an Olympic year, and that means we get even more high-level basketball to fill in the void between NBA seasons. The men’s team from the United States are heavy favorites to take home the gold medal, but that doesn’t mean the path to securing the top prize will be an easy one. First up to start group play will be a date with Nikola Jokic and Serbia in what promises to be a fascinating contest for both teams. With a XXX-point spread listed at most outlets, oddsmakers aren’t giving the Serbian national team much of a shot to hang with the United States in this one. But that’s why they play the games, right?

Let’s take a look at the odds and my prediction for this opening group stage game at the 2024 Olympic Games.

USA vs Serbia men’s basketball betting lines and odds

Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. 

Point Spread: Serbia +13, USA -13
Total Points Over/Under: 182.5 points
Money Line Odds: Serbia +625, USA -950

USA vs Serbia men’s basketball best bet: Serbia +13 (-108)

As we’ve already seen some of the other tournament favorites struggle this weekend, it’s clear that this event will not be a cakewalk, even for a team as talented as the United States. This tough road to a title starts against a Serbia team led by the best player in the world in Jokic, who needs no introduction at this point. Serbia’s roster features 7 current or former NBA players, so they won’t be completely overwhelmed by the talent and athleticism from the U.S. Jokic is joined by Bogdan Bogdanovic, who didn’t play in the tune-up Game between these teams back on July 17. The longtime Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter will be a massive addition to a Serbia team that has international experience at every position, including Marko Guduric and Vasilije Micic. That lone should be enough to keep things close.

On the other side, there’s no doubt that the United States will be nearly unstoppable in transition with LeBron James and Steph Curry running the show. All signs are also pointing to Kevin Durant playing in this game as well, but he should be pretty limited considering it’s his first game back from nursing a calf injury. We also have seen the U.S. struggle mightily throughout the tune-up games with inferior competition due to a lack of defined roles on the team. There’s a reason we’re seeing diminishing returns from most of these talented All-Star caliber players, and that’s because none of them are playing the same role that they play for their NBA teams. I do think the overall skill level and veteran composure of this USA side will win out, but this game could be played within single digits for most of the contest.

Be sure to read our full Olympics men’s and women’s basketball predictions and best bets