Jul 31, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; Serbia power forward Nikola Jokic (15) celebrates with coaches and teammates after a play in the third quarter against Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
- Josh Giddey and Australia face Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics on Tuesday
- Serbia is heavily favored to advance to the semifinals
- See the Australia vs Serbia predictions, odds, and props for August 6
After squeezing into the knockout stage with a 1-2 record, Australia has the daunting task of facing Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the quarterfinals of the men’s basketball tournament in Paris on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The second of four quarterfinal matchups on the slate that day, tip-off between Australia and Serbia is scheduled for 8:30 am ET.
Serbia finished runner-up to Team USA in Group C, earning double-digit wins over South Sudan (96-85) and Puerto Rico (107-66) after a lopsided loss to the US (110-84).
With three-time NBA MVP Jokic leading the charge, the nominal home team is a sizable favorite over the Boomers in Tuesday’s Australia vs Serbia odds.
Australia vs Serbia Odds (2024 Olympic Quarterfinals)
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | +6.5 (-105) | +210 | O 174.5 (-106) |
| Serbia | -6.5 (-115) | -265 | U 174.5 (-114) |
Serbia is currently sitting at -6.5 against the spread and -265 on the moneyline, which equates to a 72.6% implied win probability. Australia comes back at +210 to advance (32.26%).
The over/under is 174.5 with the under slightly favored at -114.
Odds as of Aug. 5 at FanDuel. Lock in the top sportsbook promotions to bet on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Serbia (95.7 PPG) was the second-highest scoring team of the group stage, trailing only the US (105.7). Their games averaged 182.7 PPG, combined. Australia averaged 82 PPG on offense and their three games had an average combined total of 165.3.
Jokic Firing on All Cylinders for Serbia
As he does night in and night out for the Nuggets, Jokic has been stuffing almost every available stat line in the box score during the Olympics. He’s averaging 18.7 points, 1 rebounds, and seven rebounds per game in under 30 minutes.
Jokic’s size in the post was way too much for undersized Puerto Rico as he piled up 14 points and 15 rebounds in just 23 minutes of action.
😳🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic came just ONE assist short of the 4⃣th triple-double in the history of the Olympic Games in Serbia’s victory over Puerto Rico! pic.twitter.com/RmBdxcnZIY
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 31, 2024
Atlanta Hawks gunner Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a perfect counterpart for Jokic, dropping 57 points (19.0 PPG) in the group stage while shooting 9 of 17 from three (52.9%).
For Australia, the tournament started with a bang; the Boomers dominated Spain, 92-80, getting significant contributions from all five starters, including a team-high 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists from Rockets big man Jock Landale.
But their final two games almost cost them their Olympic lives, losing 93-83 to Canada before falling 77-71 to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece.
Turnovers have been a huge issue for the Boomers, who committed at least 16 in each group-stage game and had a -12 turnover differential across the 120 minutes. Their two primary ballhandlers, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, combined for nine in the loss to Greece and seven in the loss to Canada.
AUS vs SRB Player Props
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three-Pointers Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogdan Bogdanovic | 17.5 (Ov -100 | Un -130) | 3.5 (Ov -154 | Un +120) | 3.5 (Ov +124 | Un -160) | 2.5 (Ov -100 | Un -130) |
| Dyson Daniels | 9.5 (Ov -130 | Un -100) | 5.5 (Ov +124 | Un -160) | 3.5 (Ov +130 | Un-166) | 1.5 (Ov +130 | Un -165) |
| Jock Landale | 14.5 (Ov +140 | Un -180) | 8.5 (Ov +114 | Un -145) | OFF | OFF |
| Josh Giddey | 16.5 (Ov -125 | Un -105) | 7.5 (Ov +114 | Un -145) | 6.5 (Ov -100 | Un -130) | 1.5 (Ov -100 | Un -130) |
| Nikola Jokic | 22.5 (Ov -100 | Un -130) | 10.5 (Ov -145 | Un +114) | 7.5 (Ov -100 | Un -130) | OFF |
| Patty Mills | 15.5 (Ov -125 | Un -105) | 2.5 (Ov -145 | Un +114) | 2.5 (Ov -125 | Un -105) | 2.5 (Ov -115 | Un -115) |
| Vasilije Micic | 11.5 (Ov -110 | Un -120) | OFF | 5.5 (Ov +124 | Un -160) | 1.5 (Ov -135 | Un +110) |
The player props for Australia vs Serbia list Jokic with a game-high point total of 22.5, followed by sharpshooting teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic at 17.5. OKC’s Josh Giddey leads the Aussie’s at 16.5.
Jokic also has the highest rebound (10.5) and assist (7.5) totals on the board.
Australia vs Serbia Prediction
Australia is a touch deeper than Serbia when it comes to true NBA-level talent, but the two best players on the floor are both Serbian, and one is literally the best basketball player in the world. Jokic has looked like a men among boys against everyone other than the USA, and I fully expect him to drag the Serbians into the semifinals.
Australia vs Serbia picks:
- Serbia first-half moneyline (-190 at FanDuel)
- Jokic over 22.5 points (-100 at DraftKings)
- Landale over 14.5 points (+140 at DraftKings)
Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.
The highly anticipated Men’s Basketball match between Australia and Serbia on August 6th is set to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams. With both teams boasting talented rosters and a strong track record in international competition, fans can expect an intense and competitive game.
In terms of predictions, both Australia and Serbia have been performing well in the lead up to the match. Australia, led by NBA stars Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, has shown impressive form in recent games and will be looking to continue their winning streak. On the other hand, Serbia, with players like Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, is known for their strong offensive game and will be a tough opponent for the Australian team.
When it comes to odds, bookmakers have Australia as slight favorites to win the match. However, Serbia is not to be underestimated and could easily pull off an upset. With both teams evenly matched in terms of talent and experience, this game could go either way.
In terms of props, there are a number of interesting bets to consider for this match. One prop to watch out for is the total points scored, as both teams have the potential to put up big numbers on the scoreboard. Another prop to consider is the player props, where you can bet on which player will score the most points or have the most assists in the game.
Overall, the Men’s Basketball match between Australia and Serbia on August 6th is shaping up to be a must-watch event for basketball fans. With predictions favoring Australia but odds suggesting a close contest, this game is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama. Be sure to tune in and see which team comes out on top in this epic showdown.
