Jul 28, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; United States guard Devin Booker (15) and center Anthony Davis (14) celebrate in the fourth quarter against Serbia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
- Team USA continues its Olympic Games run Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. ET against South Sudan.
- Team USA had some serious trouble with South Sudan during their Summer Showcase exhibition matchup, winning by just 1 point thanks to late heroics from LeBron James.
- See the best picks, odds and a prediction for Wednesday’s game below.
Team USA continues its push towards the Gold Medal Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. against South Sudan.
Anyone who watched Team USA’s first matchup with South Sudan about a month ago knows not to discount this particular opponent. Carlik Jones of South Sudan dropped a triple-double in that game as South Sudan led for much of the final minutes. However, LeBron James’ late-game heroics squeaked out a win for the 40-point favorites.
Now it’s Round 2 and there’s plenty on the line. Keep scrolling for a look at the latest odds, player prop picks and a prediction for Wednesday’s matchup. c
Team USA vs. South Sudan Odds (Caesars)
| Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | +31.5 (+100) | – | O 191.5 (-115) |
| Team USA | -31.5 (-130) | – | U 191.5 (-115) |
Odds above via Caesars Sportsbook. Check out our Caesars Promo Code for a look at one of the best welcome offers in the business.
As expected, Team USA is still the heavy favorite to improve to 2-0 at the Summer Games Wednesday afternoon. On Caesars the U.S. sits as 31.5-point favorites, with -130 odds to win by 32 points or more. South Sudan is +100 to keep the game within 31 points. Moneyline odds are not available for this matchup.
DraftKings and some other sportsbooks have this total set slightly lower, such as 29.5.
The Over/ Under for this matchup sits at 191.5 on Caesars, both over and under possessing -115 odds.
Player Props for Team USA vs. South Sudan (July 31)
| Player Props | Odds |
|---|---|
| LeBron James O 15.5 Points | -125 |
| Carlik Jones O 6.5 Assists | -140 |
| Devin Booker O 1.5 3-Pointers Made | -145 |
All odds above via DraftKings Sportsbook.
I feel like the first doesn’t need an explanation, right? Even at 39 years old LeBron is the leader of this team, and he shined last time up against South Sudan. I see LeBron dropping 20+ yet again.
Jones did a little bit of everything in the Summer Showcase, but he was especially impressive as a facilitator. South Sudan has several lob threats, and Jones is the perfect point guard for such a contest. Also, Jones is on the floor all the time, seeing 37 minutes against Puerto Rico. No other player eclipsed 30 for S. Sudan.
Devin Booker hit 4 3-pointers against Serbia, and he’s already one of the best shooters on the floor. Frankly, I think this total is a little low and should be 2.5.
Team USA vs. South Sudan Prediction
- Team USA vs. South Sudan: South Sudan +31.5 (+100)
I’m not sure there’s another viable play here, folks. I’d be surprised if Team USA struggles as much as they did against South Sudan in the Summer Showcase, but I’m fairly confident the team that very well could have beaten the United States and instead fell by just 1 point can keep things within 30.
Again, I believe Team USA wins this one by 15-20. This spread is just confounding considering how well South Sudan fared last time, not to mention they just won their first game in Paris in fairly convincing fashion over Puerto Rico.
Carlik Jones is the guy to watch for South Sudan, but Khaman Maluach, JT Thor and Wenyen Gabriel had strong outings last time out, too. All in all, Team USA has more firepower and the most talented player the planet has ever seen in LeBron James.
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Down South and contributor with SBD!
