Serbia vs Canada Analysis and Prediction – Serbia and Canada will play in first semifinal of the FIBA World Cup.
Serbia vs Canada Odds
Serbia vs Canada (1/2): 2.90 / 1.41
Asian Handicap (+5.5 / -5.5): 1.90 / 1.90
Total Over/Under (175.5): 1.88 / 1.90
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Serbia Team News
After four strong performances and one disappointing outing, the Serbian national team delivered an exceptional match against Lithuania. This win has fulfilled the expectations they had before the championship, and now they are left with the battle to secure a place in the Olympic Games.
The energy with which Serbia played against Lithuania was incredible, at times, it seemed like there were seven of them on the court. Bogdan Bogdanovic picked up right where he left off against the Dominican Republic. In the first half, he scored 18 points and did everything required, essentially being unstoppable and guiding Serbia to win. Serbia extensively utilized its most potent weapon, the fast break, always seeking that opportunity when they could. It’s worth mentioning the aggressiveness imposed from the start by Aleksa Avramovic and Stefan Jovic, to which the Lithuanians had no answer. What’s even more promising for Serbian fans is that Serbia didn’t win through a shooting but through excellent team play.
In the match against the Canada, Nikola Milutinov and his performance could be the key to a good game for Serbia. If he manages to put pressure on the opposing big men, Serbia chances of winning will increase. Bogdanovic will lead tough battles against Dillon Brooks and Luguentz Dort, who are excellent defenders at the NBA level. In order to have a chance in this game, Serbia must play exceptionally smart, maintain high shooting percentages, excel in free throws, and control the boards. One potential problem for Serbia could be the defensive transition, which hasn’t been the best in previous games, and Canada excels in that aspect.
Canada Team News
Canada was just a few minutes away from elimination in the second phase of this FIBA World Cup and facing additional qualifiers. They managed to turn the tide in their match against Spain, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. In a highly charged and tense match, they defeated Slovenia with a score by 100-89.
Among all the participants in the semifinals, Canada has the shortest rotation. Coach Jordi Fernandez mainly relies on seven or eight players, with others getting a chance only when the match is decided. We believe this pattern will continue in this duel. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently the top candidate for tournament MVP. In the quarterfinals, RJ Barrett also stood out with 24 points. Right behind them is Dillon Brooks, who not only hit some crucial shots in the last two matches but also takes on the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best guards and handling the dirty work that needs to be done.
Canada’s clear advantage in these matche is undoubtedly their perimeter play and athleticism. We believe they will continue to push the pace and run in transition whenever the opportunity arises, as they have done so far. It will be interesting to see how the Canadians defend against Milutinov. He has been in good form throughout the tournament. Brooks and Dort will have the responsibility of guarding Bogdanović. If they can limit Serbia’s offensive rebounds, Canada will be closer to victory and advancing to the finals.
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Serbia vs Canada H2H
These two teams have played two matches so far, and each team has one win.
Absences and Injuries
Serbia is without several key players, including Nikola Jokic, Vasilije Micic, Vladimir Lucic, Nikola Kalinic, Nemanja Nedovic. Borisa Simanic, who had to undergo surgery due to a kidney injury. Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins are also notable names who won’t be participating in this FIBA World Cup, for Canada.
Serbia vs Canada Prediction
Rebounding control and transition play are two factors that will likely determine the winner of this matchup. Milutinov could indeed be the key to this game, and we believe he will demonstrate why he is one of the best centers in the EuroLeague. Serbia will undoubtedly play with great motivation, especially considering the situation with Simanic. On the other hand, Canada is on the verge of the matchup they’ve wanted from the beginning of the FIBA World Cup. It should be an intense and competitive game, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final.
We believe that this will be a closely contested match until the very end, and that Serbia will manage to lose by less than seven points.
Tip-off Time: Friday 08.09.2023, 10:45 CET
Prediction: Serbia +7
Odds: 1.7
Sportsbook: 22Bet