USA vs Lithuania: Analysis and Prediction – USA and Lithuania will play a game that will decide who will gain the first group spot in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals.
USA vs Lithuania Odds
USA vs Lithuania (1/2): 1.03 / 11
Asian Handicap (-16.5 / +16.5): 1.87 / 1.91
Total Over/Under (177.5): 1.89 / 1.89
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
USA Team News
In the first round of the tournament, the USA scored three victories. New Zealand, Greece, and Jordan offered almost no resistance to the team led by Steve Kerr. In the first round of the second phase, the USA beat the excellent Montenegro 85:73.
Steve Kerr’s team broke the opposition’s resistance only in the second half, more precisely, in the fourth quarter. When comparing the game that Lithuanian coach Kazys Maksvytis prepared against Montenegro and the one that Kerr prepared, one comes to the conclusion that they are two completely different things. It’s not that the USA hasn’t shown weakness in the tournament so far. This was evident against New Zealand in the first half, and a similar story was repeated in this round. The team led by Bosko Radovic completely surpassed the NBA stars. Montenegro had 18 more rebounds (Nikola Vučevic 16), which is the main reason why the Balkan team was competitive. Of course, in the end, the difference in quality decided, but every team that has the most range gained a dose of self-confidence after a game like this to be able to compete against the USA.
With a weaker release in the jump, the USA did not serve a shot for three points – 5/19, but not even from the free throw line – 20/30. All of those together are things that should work better, as Kerr’s team will no longer have the opportunity to go into matches more relaxed and not end up being punished for it, as was the case here.
Lithuania Team News
After a maximum of three victories in the first phase, Lithuania continued in the same rhythm in group J. After a slightly weaker first half, they overcame Greece 92:67.
Kazys Maksvytis’ men dominate the entire tournament. This time, Greece felt it firsthand. Lithuania was not aggressive enough in the first 20 minutes. But later on, they raised their level of physicality, as well as their three-point shooting percentage. The Baltic team shot an almost unreal 15/24 from beyond the arc, which helped them to triumph convincingly in the end. On top of all that, 25 assists, with supremacy in rebounding. Lithuania thus rounded off one of the best games in recent times at major competitions. Once again, Rokas Jokubaitis was the driving force with 19 points and six assists, along with three other teammates in double figures.
Lithuania usually enters the finals of the tournament from the second plan, but after the clash with Greece and the maximum score, it is visible and noticed. It seems that the next duel could be the biggest test both for Maksvytis’ team and for the rival. It is certain that one of the best coaches in the tournament will prepare a special tactic for the first favorite of the competition.
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USA vs Lithuania H2H
These two teams have met each other six times. The result is 4-2 for the USA.
Absences and Injuries
Domantas Sabonis, Edgaras Ulanovas, Rokas Giedraitis, Lukas Lekavicius, and Marius Grigonis are not playing for Lithuania at this World Cup. The USA is playing in a lineup that was decided a few months ago.
USA vs Lithuania Prediction
The USA struggled with Montenegro, which was swept by Lithuania. If anyone can beat an NBA team in the opening two stages, it’s Maksvytis’ team. Rebound ratio, three-point shooting percentage, but also how the USA adapts to Lithuania’s aggressiveness, will determine the course of the match. It seems that Kerr’s team has an advantage, due to the ability to defend absolutely every rival player, but also to attack everyone. There have already been many examples in the past in which the USA started tournaments not so authoritatively but finished them dominantly, and there is no doubt that the focus of the American team will be at a higher level in this meeting.
Because of all the above, our forecast is that Lithuania will not lose more than 17 points.
Tip-off Time: Sunday 03.09.2023, 14:40 CET
Prediction: Lithuania +17.5 points
Odds: 1.78
Sportsbook: 22Bet