Puerto Rico vs Serbia Prediction & Betting Tips - Men's Olympic Tournament

Prediction published on 30/07/2024, 08:42  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 30/07/2024 at 08:46 in Men's Olympic Tournament Predictions

Serbia and Puerto Rico will be seeking their first wins in Group C at the Olympics when they meet on Wednesday. The two began the men’s basketball campaigns with losses and are now tied on one point each. Let’s get some stats to inform our prediction for this sixth match between the nations.

Puerto Rico are third, in the group, ahead of Serbia on points difference. Playing their first Olympic match in 20 years, Puerto Rico were beaten 90-79 by debutants South Sudan. Nelson Colon’s men won the first quarter but regressed as the game progressed and did not score more than 15 points a quarter after halftime.

Jose Alvarado put up a game-high 26 points and was one of four Puerto Ricans with double-digit points. Los Gallos, who are making their 10th Olympic appearance, were hugely let down by their free throw shooting against South Sudan and only managed to shoot 58%. Puerto Rico have now lost their last five matches.

Serbia remain favorites to advance and potentially earn a podium finish. The two-time silver medalists had a bad start on their return to the Summer Games after an eight-year absence. Svetislav Pesic’s men were blown out by tournament favorites, the USA 110-84.

Serbia lost all four quarters. They shot 42% from the field and just 24% from three. Most of their points came from inside the arc as they converted 22 of 37 attempts. Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic led his team with 20 points and eight assists.

Five players in total managed to score more than 10 points for the Eagles. Despite the loss, their performance will have them confident of a win against Puerto Rico. Serbia, who have more length than Puerto Rico, have also won all five times in which both nations faced off.