Match Preview: USA vs. South Sudan
- Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
- Venue: Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy
- Fixture: Olympic Tournament, Group C, Round 2
Game Preview
The USA will face South Sudan in a highly anticipated Group C matchup in the 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament. Team USA, a perennial powerhouse in international basketball, is coming off a series of close pre-tournament games, including a narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan in a recent exhibition match. South Sudan, making their Olympic debut, has shown promise by defeating Puerto Rico in their opening game, marking their first-ever Olympic victory.
Recent Head-to-Head
- July 20, 2024: USA 101 – 100 South Sudan (Exhibition Game, London)
- Previous Encounters: This will be their second official meeting in recent history, with the USA narrowly escaping with a win in their last encounter.
Key Players
USA
- LeBron James: The veteran forward has been instrumental in close games, including scoring the game-winning basket against South Sudan in their last meeting.
- Kevin Durant: Known for his scoring prowess, Durant was dominant in the first half against Serbia, scoring 21 points in just over eight minutes.
- Joel Embiid: Despite struggling in recent games, Embiid remains a key figure in the paint for Team USA.
South Sudan
- Carlik Jones: Leading the team with 19 points, Jones has been a consistent performer and was pivotal in their win against Puerto Rico.
- Marial Shayok: Contributed 15 points in the victory over Puerto Rico and is a key offensive player for South Sudan.
- Wenyen Gabriel: His defensive presence and rebounding will be crucial against the formidable USA team.
Prediction
Given the USA’s depth of talent and recent form, they are expected to secure a comfortable victory over South Sudan. However, South Sudan’s spirited performances suggest they could keep the game competitive, especially if they manage to disrupt the USA’s shooting rhythm and dominate the rebounds.
Betting Markets
Market | Odds | Crypto Betting Site |
---|---|---|
USA Win | -10000 (1.01) | Bovada |
South Sudan Win | +1800 (19.00) | Bovada |
Spread (-30.5) | -120 (1.83) | Bovada |
Spread (+30.5) | -106 (1.94) | Bovada |
Total (O 190.5) | -115 (1.87) | Bovada |
Total (U 190.5) | -112 (1.89) | Bovada |
Conclusion
The USA is heavily favored to win, but South Sudan’s resilience could make for an interesting game. Bettors might find value in spread and total points markets, considering the USA’s tendency to start slow and South Sudan’s recent form.