UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Team USA won all of their 4 matches so far but the displays have been far from convincing. The place in the quarterfinals is booked but now the Americans are about to face their first real test when they take on the also undefeated Lithuanians. We are here to provide you with a preview of this duel, along with some free betting tips for it.
- Date & Time: Sunday, September 03, 2023, 1:40 p.m. GMT
- Venue: Mall of Asia Arena – Pasay, Philippines
USA vs Lithuania basketball predictions
Contents
Both teams have been impressive so far and both would want to reach the quarterfinals with 5 consecutive wins. So, let’s take a closer look at our USA vs Lithuania basketball predictions:
Prediction 1: Jaren Jackson Jr over 3.5 rebounds @ 1/2 (1.50)
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr hasn’t been playing that well for Team USA so far. However, as the opponents get tougher more and more will be needed from Jaren and we expect to see all his numbers across the board to improve.
Jackson Jr averaged nearly 8 rebounds per game for the Memphis Grizzlies during the last NBA season. He is averaging only 3.3 rebounds during this World Cup but that is mainly because of him playing only 17 minutes on average so far. As we said from now on the main layers, Jackson Jr being one of them, can expect to see their usage increase and this should be enough to give the big man at least 4 rebounds.
Prediction 2: Tyrese Haliburton over 9.5 points @ 3/5 (1.60)
Despite coming off the bench all tournament Tyrese Haliburton played the most minutes in the last match vs Montenegro and he scored 10 points in that game. This was the second consecutive game in which Haliburton plays the most minutes and it seems that coach Kerr likes starting Brunson but using Haliburton a lot more.
If this progression continues Haliburton should get to at least 10 points for the third time in this World Cup.
USA vs Lithuania preview – will the shooting from a distance decide the winner?
Now let’s take a closer look at the latest USA vs Lithuania team news ahead of their meeting in the second round at the FIBA World Cup:
USA news, injuries, and starting lineups
Seeing the USA roster without the biggest superstars is not uncommon for FIBA World Cups, but this is probably one of the youngest teams that the United States ever sent to a major international competition. However, it is also a well-balanced team, strong on both sides of the court, and full of potential. The one thing that is missing is an experienced leader. Hard to predict how the Americans will respond in a match in which they trail late on.
On Friday the Americans made it 4 wins in 4 when beating Montenegro 85-73. This was a much shakier display with the USA trailing at halftime. The Americans also trailed by double digits early on their game vs New Zealand and it seems obvious that slow starts to matches are an issue.
USA injury report:
- N/A
USA starting lineup:
J. Brunson, A. Edwards, B. Ingram, M. Bridges, J. Jackson Jr.
Lithuania news, injuries, and starting lineups
Lithuania have been very impressive in every game so far this World Cup. They won all of their 3 matches from the first group stage by 20 points or more and hardly looked in trouble. With contributions coming from everywhere, having at least 4 players in double digits in every match played, the Lithuanians have looked smooth.
Lithuania beat Egypt 93-67, then humiliated Mexico 96-66 and in their final match of the group in a direct battle for the top spot they left no doubts when easily cruising past Montenegro 91-71.
Lithuania are yet to allow more than 71 points in a match and after the group stage, they are ranked top for defensive efficiency. To add to that they are second in terms of half-court attack efficiency too. It’s clear that Lithuania look like a team on a mission right now. Can they keep it up?
The answer to that against Greece was sounding yes. Lithuania booked their place in the quarterfinals with an easy 92-67 win. Once more their defence was suffocating.
Lithuania injury report:
- N/A
Lithuania starting lineup:
J. Valanciunas, M. Kuzminskas, R. Jokubaitis, T. Sedekerskis, M. Normantas
Where to watch USA vs Lithuania on TV/live stream
UK residents can find and watch all FIBA World Cup matches on FIBA’s streaming service called Courtside 1891. Meanwhile, USA fans can see the games on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
