Puerto Rico vs. Team USA Odds & Predictions: Olympic Men’s Basketball

Team USA (-650) continues to boast the best basketball odds to take home the gold medal, taking down South Sudan 103-86 in their last game.

Puerto Rico (+50000) fell to Serbia 107-66 in their last matchup.

Let’s take a look at the odds and predictions for this matchup.

Puerto Rico vs. Team USA Odds

• Puerto Rico Spread: +32.5
• Team USA Spread: -32.5
• Puerto Rico Moneyline: +1600
• Team USA Moneyline: -10000
• Total: 188.5

Puerto Rico vs. Team USA Prediction

I predict that Team USA will cover the spread against Puerto Rico.

Bam Adebayo led the Americans with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in their latest win over South Sudan.

Captain Bamerica was tough to contain, as he was feasting on entry passes, pick-and-rolls, and give-and-go actions while also pushing the tempo on the break. He also drilled two 3-pointers, taking full advantage of the space afforded to him.

Derrick White and Bam Adebayo’s connection was must see in the 3Q 💥

📺 USA Network and Peacock

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— NBA (@NBA) July 31, 2024

Furthermore, Adebayo was his usual defensive self, actively switching onto opposing wings on the perimeter and preventing attacks to the rim by sticking with them on drives.

Kevin Durant put up 14 points, three assists, and three steals. Anthony Edwards contributed 13 points and three steals. LeBron James had 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. 

Devin Booker added 10 points and six assists while getting his looks moving off the ball and providing excellent on-ball defence. Derrick White also scored 10 points while providing tenacious defence of his own.

Noticeably missing from the lineup for Team USA was Joel Embiid, as head coach Steve Kerr admitted that their game plan entailed the Americans switching and staying in front of people against South Sudan, who he believes is the fastest team they’ll face in the tournament.

But Kerr also went on the record saying that Embiid will be back in the starting lineup against Puerto Rico.

Chris Ortiz led Puerto Rico with 19 points and six rebounds in their blowout loss to Serbia. Ismael Romero added 10 points and five rebounds.

I don’t believe Puerto Rico matches up too well against the United States, especially given their lack of size and depth, which is why my best online sportsbook bet to make is Team USA covering the spread.

At this point, I think Anthony Davis, who had eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal against South Sudan as Team USA’s starting center, should remain in the starting five, given how well his athleticism and defensive instincts translate to international play.

Stephen Curry has struggled so far in the Olympics, but I believe he should remain the starter as well since his presence alone will stretch defences to the half-court line. 

Kerr may also have to entertain the idea of sliding Jrue Holiday back into the starting lineup over Jayson Tatum, as his defence could help take opposing guards out of the game from the jump while Team USA’s offence goes to work.

Booker has earned the right to start, given his willingness to play off the ball and step up his defensive intensity.

And of course, Captain LeMerica is the engine that keeps the offence running with his ability to power down the lane at any given moment while serving as the main facilitator.

I like Durant as a sixth man, as he doesn’t need much help generating his own offence, which could help the U.S. continuously tack on points while Kerr throws out a defensive-minded unit.

Overall, Kerr has a great mix of talent on both sides of the floor, giving him plenty of flexibility at any given moment.