Montenegro-United States prediction, odds, pick, how to watch FIBA World Cup

Montenegro will face the United States in the next round of the FIBA World Cup tournament. We are here to share our FIBA World Cup odds series, make a Montenegro-United States prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.

We are done with the group stage. Now, everyone is trying to advance as Montenegro faces the United States in this showdown. Montenegro  advanced to the group stage. However, they did not do it easily.

Montenegro lost their last game of the group stage 91-71 to Lithuania. Early, they were doing well as they led 27-26 after the first quarter. But it was a bad second quarter, as they trailed 48-40 at halftime. Things really fell apart in the second half as they trailed by 16 entering the fourth quarter. Sadly, it was too big to overcome. Montenegro shot just 33.3 percent from the field. Additionally, they converted just 16.1 percent (5 for 31) from beyond the arc. But Montenegro also hit 76.9 percent (20 of 26) of its free-throw shooting attempts. Also, they lost the battle of the boards 44-30. They also blocked only two shots with nine steaks and had five turnovers. Nikola Vucevic led the way with 19 points. Also, Kendrick Perry added 13 points, while Marko Simonovic had 13.

The United States destroyed Jordan 110-62. They exploded to a 31-12 lead after the first quarter. Then, they took a 62-32 lead into halftime before cruising to victory. The US shot 48.4 percent from the field and 34.5 percent (10 for 29) from the triples. Meanwhile, they also  shot 78.6 percent (22 for 28) from the charity stripe. The Americans dominated the boards 65-34. Also, they had 17 offensive boards. The US followed with six blocks and 13 steals while also committing 15 turnovers.

Anthony Edwards led the way with 22 points and eight rebounds. Likewise, Bobby Portis added 13 points and six rebounds, while Jaren Jackson had 12 points and six rebounds. Josh Hart added 12 rebounds.

Here are the 2023 FIBA World Cup odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

2023 FIBA World Cup Odds: Montenegro-United States Odds

USA: -25.5 (-115)

Montenegro: +25.5 (-111)

Over: 181.5 (-111)

Under: 181.5 (-115)

How to Watch Montenegro vs. United States 

TV: ESPN 2

Stream: ESPN+

Time: 4:40 AM ET/1:40 AM PT

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why Montenegro Will Cover The Spread

Montenegro needs Vucevic to emerge. Significantly, he has 20.7 points per game. But Vucevic could not recapture the magic of the first game when he had 27 points. Therefore, Montenegro needs Vucevic to produce. He shot 73.3 percent against Mexico and 70 percent against Egypt. Conversely, he struggled against Lithuania, where he shot just 30.8 percent from the field. Montenegro also had 10 rebounds in the first game and make more of an impact on the boards.

Perry and Kendrick must emerge to help Vucevic. Additionally, they must contribute to winning the board battle and blocking shots while limiting their turnovers. Montenegro also needs to contain Edwards, Portis, and Jackson. Can this team defend a team that has numerous all-star players?

Montenegro will cover the spread if Vucevic remerges and converts on his field-goal shooting percentage. Then, the defense must stop Edwards, Portis, and Jackson.

Why The United States Will Cover The Spread

The United States went 3-0 during the group stage. Hence, they have shown their utter strength through these first three games. Edwards is averaging 16.7 points and seven rebounds per game during this tournament. Significantly, the game against Jordan was his best.

But Paolo Banchero has not done well over the past two games. Yes, he is averaging 12.8 points per game. But Banchero has combined for only 16 points across two games after going off for 21 in the opener. Likewise, Portis has the tools to produce. But he only has averaged nine points per game. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is another player to watch. Many NBA fans saw him emerge this past season during his run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, he hopes to make his imprint on the international level. Reaves is averaging 11.7 points and 4.3 assists per game through the first three games of the series.

The US has dominated all categories. Moreover, they are doing the little things that are helping them win games. It has established them as a dominant favorite early in this tournament.

The United States will cover the spread if Edward can dominate the game early. Then, Banchero, Portis, and Reaves must all contribute to help the Americans thrive.

Final Montenegro-United States Prediction & Pick

The gap between these two teams is so wide. Ultimately, the only chance Montenegro has of winning, or even covering, this game is if Vucevic can dominate. He has played these players before so it won't be a new experience. Yet, he is only one player. Expect the Americans to key in on him and dominate this game.

Final Montenegro-United States Prediction & Pick: USA: -25.5 (-115)