Serbia vs China: Analysis and Prediction – Serbia and China will play against each other in the FIBA World Cup first round.
Serbia vs China Odds
Serbia vs China (1/2): 1.02 / 15.00
Asian Handicap (-18.5 / +18.5): 1.85 / 1.90
Total Over/Under (157.5): 1.92 / 1.86
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Serbia Team News
In the preparatory period for Mundobasket, Serbia played five games. Svetislav Pesic and his team recorded only one lose and that was against Italy. They beat Greece, Puerto Rico, Brazil and China. Even in that game against Italy, they had a 17-point advantage, but in the end they were defeated.
The keys of this team belongs to Atlanta Hawks guard. Before the FIBA World Cup, Bogdan Bogdanovic was given the role of captain. Alongside him, as one of the most dominant players in Europe is Nikola Milutinov on the center position. With numerous absences, Nikola Jovic will try to make the most of the opportunity to impose himself. Serbia is not at full strength, but the fact is that they have quality.
At the previous Mundobasket in China, Serbia was the “numero uno” favorite according to all world rankings. That came back on them in a negative context. They come to this World Cup as the “dark horse” of the tournament and no one sees them among the main favorites. That’s why we can easily see a much more relaxed edition and perhaps better results.
China Team News
China started preparations for the FIBA World Cup much earlier this year. They played a total of six games with a negative record of 2-4. They were defeated by Serbia, Italy, Germany and Italy. China beat Cape Verde and New Zealand.
It can be said that the greatest quality of this team is on the bench. Since Aleksandar Djordjevic took head coach role, he has been trying to implement modern basketball in the system of the Chinese national team. Of course, it will not be easy with domestic players without international experience, but China is not coming to the World Cup with a white flag.
Li Kaier – Zhou Qi tandem, emerged as the main players of this team. Apart from them, the team consists of young players mostly from the domestic championship. Serbia has a big role as a favorite on paper and wants to open the tournament with a win. As for China, they definitely open the FIBA World Cup against the best opponent in the group. They will be looking for their chances against South Sudan and Puerto Rico.
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Serbia vs China H2H
Serbia and China have played four matches against each other in their history. Serbia won every time.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Jokic, Nikola Kalinic, Vladimir Lucic, Aleksej Pokusevski, Alen Smailagic, Uros Trifunovic, Vasilije Micic and Nemanja Nedovic did not come for Serbia to this FIBA World Cup. On the other hand, there are no injured players according to available information.
Serbia vs China – Prediction
A few days ago, as part of the preparations, Serbia and China played friendly game. Coach Pesic rested Bogdanovic and Milutinov, and even with such a balance of power, the Serbian team won convincingly. When they appear on the floor, there is absolutely no reason for such a scenario not to be repeated. Because of all this, we think that Serbia will win with a difference bigger than the Asian Handicap margin offered.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 26.08.2023, 14:00 CET
Prediction: Serbia -17.5
Odds: 1.75
Sportsbook: 22Bet
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