Team USA vs Puerto Rico: Preview and prediction for 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball | August 3, 2024

Team USA, the Group C leaders, will take on last-placed Puerto Rico on Saturday in the preliminary stage of the men’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Americans turned back Serbia 110-84 to open their gold medal defense before blasting South Sudan 103-86 on Wednesday. LeBron James and Co. have already secured a quarter-final slot but they are not taking “Los Gallos” lightly.

Meanwhile, the Puerto Ricans are still seeking their first win in the tournament. They wilted 90-79 against South Sudan before suffering a beatdown versus Serbia 107-66. To get their first win, they’ll have to pull off the biggest upset in the tournament when they face the Americans.

---

Team USA vs Puerto Rico: Preview, prediction and odds

The Americans’ showdown with the Puerto Ricans will take place at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France. Basketball fans can subscribe to Courtside 1891, NBC, or Peacock to catch the action.

Moneyline: N/A

Spread: Team USA (-32.5) vs. Puerto Rico (+32.5)

Total (Over/Under): Team USA (o188.5 -110) vs. Puerto Rico (u188.5 -110)

Editor's Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

---

Team USA vs. Puerto Rico: Game preview

The biggest issue for the Americans seems to be who will get benched rather than how they would win against their Saturday opponents. Joel Embiid, after playing cheerleader against South Sudan, will suit up again, according to coach Steve Kerr.

Regardless of who plays or not, they are expected to roll past the Puerto Ricans. Kerr admitted his team has an “embarrassment” of riches at his disposal.

LeBron James was on the 2004 USA team that lost to “Los Gallos” in Greece. It was the first loss by an American team featuring NBA players. “King James,” who debuted in the Olympics 20 years ago, looks to get some redemption against familiar opponents.

The Puerto Ricans had no answer to Serbia’s inside-outside game led by Nikola Jokic. They were overwhelmed on both ends by the Serbs’ execution and depth. The Americans have the depth and skill to overcome whatever chemistry issues they may have. The Boricuas are in for another tough night.

In the blowout win against the Puerto Ricans, Serbia took away Jose Alvarado’s touches. The Americans’ length, physicality and size in the perimeter could pose the same problem for them.

---

Team USA vs. Puerto Rico: Prediction

The +32.5 spread for the Puerto Ricans against the Americans tells the tale of the game. LeBron James will be determined not to suffer another embarrassing Olympic loss to “Los Gallos.” It should be a beatdown in Lille, France but the Americans’ margin of victory might not get past 33 points if they take their foot off the gas.