Where to Watch Team USA vs. Serbia: TV Channel, Game Time, Live Stream, Odds for Exhibition
The U.S. men’s national team faces off against Nikola Jokic and the Serbian squad on Wednesday.
In their exhibition games so far, Team USA has battled several high-profile NBA players. Canada boasts talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, while Australia features Josh Giddey and a cadre of NBA role players. However, this Wednesday marks a unique challenge: Team USA will not have the best player on the court, as they go head-to-head with Nikola Jokic and Serbia in Abu Dhabi, a crucial preparatory match for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Though Serbia might not have the same star-studded roster as Team USA, they are formidable opponents. Serbia’s 94-89 victory over Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup is a testament to their prowess. As both teams share a group, they’ll clash again on July 28 and potentially a third time if both progress to the knockout stages. The familiarity they’ll gain with each other’s playstyles will be invaluable. Here’s how to watch Wednesday’s game:
Team USA vs. Serbia Basketball
- 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 to Watch
Team USA: Can they maintain focus for the full 40 minutes? A slow start against Canada saw them trailing 11-1, and they almost squandered a 20-point lead against Australia in the fourth quarter. Coach Steve Kerr is still experimenting with player combinations to find the most effective lineups. With less than two weeks until the Paris Olympics, it’s crucial for Team USA to demonstrate their ability to stay sharp for an entire game, as lapses could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Serbia: There’s a running joke in the NBA about Joel Embiid avoiding Nikola Jokic during the regular season. While it’s not entirely fair, given the role injuries play, the matchup everyone has been waiting for is here. Embiid has had an uneven performance during the exhibition games, often overshadowed by Anthony Davis off the bench, leading to debates over who should start. Certain matchups might favor Davis, but Embiid’s primary role is to challenge Jokic in the post, and Wednesday will be his first real test to prove his mettle.
Prediction
While Canada might have more raw talent and Australia a stronger international record, Serbia could very well be the toughest opponent Team USA has faced thus far. Their roster, built around Jokic, is complemented by adept ball-handlers and cutters like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jovic, and Vasilije Micic. Team USA is expected to win, but it will be a hard-fought battle. The Pick: Serbia +15.5