Germany’s NBA talent-filled squad will now be pitted against the mighty Team USA, in what should be an exciting semi-finals matchup. Let’s hope for a classic back-and-forth.
Catch the game tomorrow, September 8th, at 8:40 PM.
USA (5-1)
Projected starting five:
- Jalen Brunson
- Anthony Edwards
- Mikal Bridges
- Brandon Ingram
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
Team USA redeemed itself against the Lithuania loss with a 100-63 thrashing of Italy this past Tuesday. They clicked on both ends as they held the Italians to just 30.7% shooting and also shot 17-of-36 from beyond the arc. The World Cup’s leading scorer (101.2 PPG) appears to be back on track.
Leading scorer Anthony Edwards (17.3 PPG) took a step back after the leading the offense all tournament long. In place, Mikal Bridges had a game-high 24 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 18 alongside five assists and three steals. Even better, the two also combined for 10 three-pointers. Austin Reaves, who has struggled in the last two contests, chipped in 12 points, four boards, and three dimes on a quiet-but-efficient 3-of-4 shooting across 20 minutes.
Such is what’s expected of the Americans. The star is the star, but whoever that is can reel it back anytime so others can step up without missing a beat. We’ll see if the same happens tomorrow, or if Bridges, Haliburton, or someone can join Edwards in the main scoring role.
Germany (6-0)
Projected starting five:
- Dennis Schroder
- Andreas Obst
- Franz Wagner
- Mo Wagner
- Daniel Theis
Germany eked out an 81-79 victory over Latvia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday afternoon to remain undefeated. It was one of the best games in the World Cup thus far, but the Germans are probably hoping they don’t need that much luck to win again.
Lead guard and offensive weapon Dennis Schroder (18.0 PPG, 6.3 PPG) was widely atrocious in the game, so much so that he himself said it was the worst performance of his career. He shot an abominable 4-of-26 from the floor, including 0-of-8 from three and four turnovers. Fortunately, Franz Wagner (16 pts), Mo Wagner (12 pts), Johannes Thiemann (10 pts), and Andreas Obst (13 pts) stepped up nicely and also combined for an efficient 17-of-24 from the floor. There’s no way but up for Schroder, but who really knows? It’s the USA. Maybe he’ll get locked up again.
Germany has averaged 91.3 points per game in its six games at the World Cup.
PREDICTION:
Handicap: USA (-10) fails to cover.
Over/Under: The total goes over 179.
