Team USA vs. Puerto Rico prediction, odds, time: 2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball picks by proven expert

Team USA is set to square off against Puerto Rico in men's basketball on Saturday morning. The United States has already clinched a spot in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 Paris Olympics after winning two straight games. On Wednesday, Team USA handled business and beat South Sudan 103-86. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico lost both games thus far. On July 31, Serbia blew out Puerto Rico 107-66.

Tipoff is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. ET. Team USA is a 33.5-point favorite in the latest Team USA vs. Puerto Rico odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 188. Before making any Puerto Rico vs. USA picks or 2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball predictions, you need to see what SportsLine writer Matt Severance has to say .

Severance is a well-connected writer and high-volume handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. Over the past three NBA seasons, Matt has returned $4,452. And over the past four college basketball seasons, Matt is up $887. Anybody following his basketball picks has seen big returns.

Now, Severance has broken down USA vs. Puerto Rico and the Paris Olympics 2024 odds and revealed his best bets. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks . Here are the lines and trends for USA vs. Puerto Rico:

• Team USA vs. Puerto Rico spread: USA -33.5
• Team USA vs. Puerto Rico: over/under: 188 points
• Team USA vs. Puerto Rico money line: USA -5000, Puerto Rico +1500
• USA: Seeking fifth-straight gold medal
• PR: Have two total points in Group C after two games
• Team USA vs. Puerto Rico picks: See picks at SportsLine
  

Why Team USA can cover

Team USA has won four straight gold medals in the Olympics and the Americans are off to a great start in France. They have won both group-stage games by at least 17 points. This roster makes it hard for any team to get into any rhythm. Forward LeBron James knows how to get himself and his teammates going. In the win over South Sudan, he recorded 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Guard Devin Booker has fit into his role perfectly. Booker is locked in defensively and he can score with no problem. On Wednesday against Puerto Rico, Booker had 10 points, six assists and logged a 9 plus/minus. See which team to pick here .

Why Puerto Rico can cover

Guard Jose Alvarado plays for the New Orleans Pelicans and he is one of the top players for this squad. In the loss to South Sudan on July 28, he finished with 26 points, five assists and two steals. Additionally, he made three 3-pointers.

Forward George Conditt IV is an athletic force in the frontcourt. Conditt IV finishes around the rim consistently while being a nice shot blocker. In the loss to South Sudan, he had 13 points, six boards, one block and shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the field. Guard Christopher Ortiz comes off the bench and gives a solid shot-creator. In his last outing, Ortiz racked up a team-high 19 points, six rebounds and went 4-of-7 from downtown. See which team to pick here .

How to make USA vs. Puerto Rico picks

Severance has analyzed Puerto Rico vs. USA from every angle, and he's leaning Under on the point total. He has also discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He's sharing what it is, and which side to back, only at SportsLine .

So who wins USA vs. Puerto Rico in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and what critical x-factor makes one side of the spread a must back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the expert who's up $4,452 over the past three NBA seasons , and find out.