One of the most recognizable teams at the 2024 Paris Olympics makes its debut on Sunday as Team USA men’s basketball squares off against Serbia in a Group C matchup. Team USA is the heavy favorites (-400) to win the gold, but this squad has had some concerning moments leading up the Olympics, winning three of five exhibition matchups by single digits. Kevin Durant is expected to play for USA despite missing the exhibitions with a calf injury.
Tipoff is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. ET in Lille, France. The United States is a 12.5-point favorite in the latest Team USA vs. Serbia odds. The over/under for total points is 182. Before making any Serbia vs. Team USA picks or 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball predictions, you need to see what SportsLine’s Bruce Marshall has to say.
An in-demand guest on numerous sports talk radio and TV shows across the country, Marshall, who was synonymous with The Gold Sheet, the famed sports betting newsletter, vast array of editorial work has been featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the New York Post and many other outlets. He has won various handicapping titles and also is working on several book projects. Marshall finished the 2023-24 season on a 197-143 roll on NBA picks (+3578) and 54-37 on college basketball picks (+1340). Anybody following his basketball picks has seen big returns.
Now, Marshall has broken down USA vs. Serbia and the Paris Olympics 2024 odds and revealed his best bets. You can find his picks only at SportsLine. Here are the lines and trends for Serbia vs. USA:
- USA vs. Serbia spread: USA -12.5
- USA vs. Serbia over/under: 182 points
- USA vs. Serbia money line: USA -800, Serbia +500
- USA: Team USA is averaging 96.4 through five exhibitions
- SRB: Roster has four active NBA players
- USA vs. Serbia picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Team USA can cover
LeBron James has been one of the best players to ever represent the United States. James is currently third among Americans with 273 points in the Olympics. He’s compiled 979 points, 281 rebounds, 238 assists and 111 steals in 68 games with Team USA. The 39-year-old also won Gold in 2008 and 2012 with the Men’s Olympic team.
Forward Jayson Tatum is suiting up in his second straight Olympic run. Back in Toyko, he averaged 15.2 points, 3.3 rebound and shot 44.7% from beyond the arc. His teammate in Boston Jrue Holiday is another effective perimeter playmaker. Holiday has elite perimeter defense and creates his own shot. In 2020, Holiday logged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 25 minutes of action. See the picks at SportsLine.
Why Serbia can cover
The Serbians have four players who are currently on an NBA roster, led by Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. The three-time NBA MVP is able to be an all-around difference-maker for this team. He rebounds the ball with ease while finding different to be effective as a scorer and facilitator.
They also have Bogdan Bogdanovic, who provides the Serbians with a solid ball handler who can create his own shot. Spacing the floor will be key as the United States has great perimeter defenders. Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat is another impact playmaker. Jovic stands at 6-foot-10, but owns the jumper to stretch the floor if needed. See the picks at SportsLine.
How to make Serbia vs. United States picks
Marshall has analyzed Team USA vs. Serbia from every angle, and he’s leaning Under on the point total. He has also found a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He’s sharing what it is, and which side to back, only at SportsLine.
So who wins Team USA vs. Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and what critical x-factor makes one side of the spread a must back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the expert who finished the 2023-24 NBA season up more than $3,500, and find out.
