Sunday, July 28
Time: 11:15 a.m. EST
TV: NBC, FuboTV, Peacock
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Lille, France
USA record: 0-0
Serbia record: 0-0
Injury:
USA: Kevin Durant (Calf / Questionable)
Serbia: Bogdan Bogdanovic ( Rest/ Probable)
Keep An Eye On:
Nikola Jokic: is arguably the best player in the world and the primary focus of the Serbian national team. He's a dangerous weapon offensively and an underrated, effective defender. Jokic posted 16 points, 11 rebounds and an uncharacteristic 2 assists on 6-18 shooting in USA's blowout win over Serbia in their exhibition contest a little over week ago. I suspect, Serbia, didn't show their full hand in anticipation of facing USA in group play. USA centers Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo will all get their shot at Jokic and need to be ready for Jokic to resemble more of what we see from him leading the Denver Nuggets.
USA's Perimeter Attack: is the main reason why they blew the game wide open in their exhibition win over Serbia, as well as it being their clear advantage over Serbia, due to the USA's depth and talent. Steph Curry was unstoppable in the win, finishing with a game high 24 points on 8-13 shooting from the field, 6-9 shooting from deep and 2-2 from the line in 22 minutes of action. Anthony Edwards added 16 points on 5-10 shooting from the field in 16 minutes. USA, thanks to the efficient scoring of Curry and Edwards, as well as a suffocating team defense, outscored Serbia 55-30 over the second and third periods. Serbia definitely missed Bogdan Bogdanovic, however, with the likes of Curry, Edwards, Booker, Holiday, White, Haliburton etc, suiting up for USA, it's hard to see Serbia's backcourt being able to compete with the United States backcourt as the game carries on.
Durant/ Bogdanovic Return?: is something we're all waiting to see. Kevin Durant is in my opinion, the best scorer in basketball. He's a 50/40/90 caliber scorer which is reserved for the elite of the elite in scoring efficiency. Adding him back into the equation makes it VERY challenging for any opponent to compete with the USA. However, how healthy and effective will Durant be coming off his calf injury? Time will tell. Regardless of if it's rust or he has to delay playing in the group play opener against Serbia, I doubt it will take long for Durant to find a rhythm and look like....well....Kevin Durant.
Bogdanovic is Serbia's second best player. A three level scorer, good rebounder, solid passer and adequate defender, Serbia needs him if they are to be competitive with the USA. Not to mention, he's highly competitive. Bogdanovic averaged 19.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, leading Serbia to a silver medal. Keep a close eye on Bogdanovic, he's capable of catching fire and making things interesting.
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