USA vs Puerto Rico: Analysis and Prediction – As part of the preparations for the FIBA World Cup, the USA will play a friendly game with Puerto Rico.
USA vs Puerto Rico Odds
USA vs Puerto Rico (1/2): 1.02 / 11
Asian Handicap (-20.5 / +20.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Total Over/Under (186.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook
USA Team News
USA went through qualifications with the G-league squad and qualified with three losses, one to Mexico and two to Brazil. But it isn’t much relevant, because the USA had a much weaker squad than they will roll in the World Cup.
The roster that will go to the Philippines is already announced, and it is a solid mix of youth and experience. Like in the 2019 edition of the World Cup, there won’t be big stars but this squad looks more compact than the one that was sent to China.
This will be the first official preparation game for the USA. They played two scrimmages to the USA Select team, which they lost. But context is important: those scrimmages were 10 minutes only, and Kerr wasn’t trying hard with coaching. We saw several times that the USA would lose similar games.
The 12-man 🇺🇸 #USABMNT roster for the 2023 @FIBAWC Aug. 25-Sept. 10! pic.twitter.com/3sP9R1ljM7
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 6, 2023
Puerto Rico Team News
Puerto Rico has qualify to the FIBA World Cup convincingly. They only lost one time in the 2nd round of qualifications. This summer, they also played at Central American and Caribbean Games, albeit in a different roster than they will have now.
Puerto Rico has announced a 14-man extended squad and preparation games will help with the decision of which two players will be cut. Sadly, there won’t be Jose Alvarado, who is recovering from the tibia injury. Also, no Gian Clavell, who had a great season with Prometey in Eurocup.
But not all news is bad: John Holland is back for the national team, after the suspension he received in 2019.
Puerto Rico already played one preparation game, which was versus the Dominican Republic. They won, 93-86. The best player was George Conditt IV, who scored 22 points.
Boricuas committed to rep the Puerto Rican flag at #FIBAWC 🇵🇷#WinForPuertoRico pic.twitter.com/5Bz8WHMDuM
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) July 28, 2023
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USA vs Puerto Rico H2H
They met in the first round of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. USA won both games, but they were with the G-league squad. The last game they played that was preparation for a tournament was right before FIBA 2014 World Cup. USA won easily.
Absences and Injuries
There is no available information about absences. Both squads should play with their best squads.
USA vs Puerto Rico Prediction
The USA got a much more talented squad. Both teams prefer a fast-paced style and we should see a huge number of points from USA, but it doesn’t mean that USA won’t try with defense. They should start strong and make a huge difference already at the half against a much weaker opponent
Tip-off time: Tuesday, 08.08.2023, 04:00 CET
Prediction: USA 1st half -9.5
Odds: 1.76
Sportsbook: Bet365