Serbia vs Puerto Rico: Analysis and Prediction – As part of preparations for the FIBA World Cup, Serbia and Puerto Rico will play a game in Belgrade.
Serbia vs Puerto Rico Odds
Serbia vs Puerto Rico (1/2): 1.04 / 9.99
Asian Handicap (-16.5 / +16.5): 1.80 / 1.86
Total Over/Under (166.5): 1.76 / 1.90
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook
Serbia Team News
Head coach Svetislav Pesic has led the Serbian national team in two friendly matches. In Athens, they achieved a win over the host nation’s team, but suffered a loss against Italy. The defeat to Italy was particularly significant, as it reminded the team of a similar loss they experienced against Italy in the round of sixteen during the European Championship almost a year ago.
The team has struggled in previous matches due to the lack of a traditional point guard, forcing players like Aleksa Avramovic, Marko Guduric, and Bogdan Bogdanovic to fill that position. However, the upcoming match may see the addition of Stefan Jovic, a skilled player known for his ability to organise attacks and excel in pick-and-roll situations. This could greatly enhance the team’s offensive strategies and bring a valuable dimension to their gameplay.
The Stark Arena in Belgrade will host the upcoming match. With the support of their home crowd, we anticipate that the Serbian players will be motivated to give their all and dominate their opponents. Notably, these two teams will also be competing in the same group at the FIBA World Cup.
Puerto Rico Team News
During the preparation phase, the Puerto Rico national team has participated in three matches so far. Following a win against the Dominican Republic, they encountered two decisive defeats. The national teams from the USA and Italy proved that they are much stronger than the Puerto Rico.
In the match against the United States, Tremont Waters was the top scorer. However, in the match against Italy, he had a really poor performance, going 0 for 9 from the field. He had previously played for Metropolitans and was a key player, along with Victor Wembanyama, in the team that reached the finals of the French championship. In the match against Italy, the best scorer was Ethan Thompson with 14 points.
Puerto Rico has made multiple trips to Belgrade in the previous years, but has yet to secure a victory. Based on their past performances, it is unlikely that they will succeed this time either. Their games suggests that they struggle against high-caliber European teams, and Serbia, despite missing some key players, falls into that category.
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Serbia vs Puerto Rico H2H
In the past 10 years, Serbia and Puerto Rico played five matches, and Serbia won every time.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Jokic, Vasilije Micic, Nikola Kalinic, and Vladimir Lucic have all withdrawn from participating in the FIBA World Cup for various reasons. Moreover, Nemanja Nedovic was also removed from the roster a few days ago. Additionally, both Alen Smailagic and Uros Trifunovic are withdrawn in the last couple of hours. For Puerto Rico national team Jose Alvarado is absent due to his team’s decision.
Serbia vs Puerto Rico Prediction
The upcoming match at the “Stark Arena” will be the Serbia national team’s only preparation game in front of their home crowd. With over 10,000 spectators expected, the fans unwavering support is sure to provide an extra source of motivation for Svetislav Pesic squad.
With superior players and over 10,000 fans, Serbia is poised to dominate in every position. We anticipate a huge win for the Serbian team, with a difference of at least 17 points.
Tip-off Time: Wednesday 16.08.2023, 19:00 CET
Prediction: Serbia -16.5
Odds: 1.80
Sportsbook: Bet365